Aims and Fit of Module

Aims and fit of the module:

This module aims to provide students with a critical overview of the historical development of the academic study of media and communication. It elucidates a number of core concepts and perspectives, including technology, political economy, audiences and users, feminism, media effects, and convergence. The module’s emphasis is on discussing the applicability of academic concepts, theories and perspectives in the digital age, and on showing how these can be used to contextualize and critically evaluate contemporary media products. In addition, the module provides students the opportunity to develop skills in podcasting. The module fits the programme in that it exposes students to concepts, theories and perspectives that can help them better examine and engage with the contemporary media world and its products, both as communication professionals and researchers. Therefore it helps students prepare for the Final Individual Project. The module fits the professional orientation of the programme because it helps students develop a core production skill in the digital age, podcasting, and their abilities to work in a group and reflect on production processes and choices.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes:

A. Critically examine the historical development of the academic study of media and communication, and key concepts, theories and perspectives 

B. Critically assess the applicability in the digital age of key concepts, theories and perspectives in the academic study of media and communication

C. Apply a theory to contextualize and critically understand a contemporary media product

D. Produce a publishable podcast

E. Critically reflect on production processes and choices

F. Work constructively and efficiently in a group

Method of teaching and learning

Methods of teaching and learning:

The lectures explain and contextualize the development of the academic study of media and communication, and core concepts, theories and perspectives. In the seminars, the students delve deeper into the lecture material. In the practicals the students develop the technical skills of podcasting.