Description
This module will introduce to students a sociological overview of the mass media, its developments, and social impacts.
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide students with a broad introduction to the sociology of the mass media.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an awareness of some of the key moments in the historical emergence of mass media culture. historical emergence of mass media culture.
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of media technologies, media forms and media institutions.
3. Demonstrate an appreciation of some of the issues and problems with analysing the content of the mass media.
4. Show a basic knowledge of some the key theoretical approaches to media and culture.
5. Appreciate some of the complexities of the relationship between media/texts/audiences.
Indicative Content
1 Content
The Meaning of the Mass Media (definition and origins of key terms, the historical emergence of mass mediated popular cultures).
2 Media and Technology
Media technology and historical development, theories of technology and technological determinism, social impacts of technology representations of technology in Science Fiction and popular culture)
3 Media Cultures
Audiences, fans, genres, elite and mass culture
4 The Cultural History of Media Forms
The Press, Cinema and Television; debates surrounding media effects
5 The Language of Crime, Violence and Conflict
Terrorism and political violence
6 Race and Representation in the Media
Race and Representation in the Media
7 Gender and Media Culture
Gender and Media Culture
8 Celebrity and Celebrity Culture
Celebrity and Celebrity Culture
9 Gender Centred Cyber Bullying
Gender Centred Cyber Bullying
10 Pornification
Pornification
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 10 |
| Practical Activity | 0 |
| Assessment | 20 |
| Independent | 146 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
