MFC5032 - Researching the Media Landscape

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the social, cultural and historical contexts within which communication media emerges and evolves;
2. demonstrate an understanding of cultural borrowings, appropriation, reworking, transformation and influence within media forms;
3. demonstrate understanding of a range of research methods;
4. demonstrate the ability to select and apply appropriate methods in the formulation and conduct of research.

Content:

This module looks at the holistic nature of media creation and culture. It investigates media techniques and forms through historical constructs, demonstrating the transformation of cultural communications through social, political and technological influences. The module will also offer a discussion of historical research as an interpretative activity in itself and will offer historical case study material as a way of exploring the interaction of social, political, economic and technological factors in shaping contempary media.

This module will introduce students to a range of approaches to research, including qualitative and quantitative methods, and to the processes involved in formulating a research proposal and conducting a research project.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lecture
Contact hours 32
Number of groups 1

Seminars
Contact hours 8
Number of groups 2 x 15

Assessment: