MFC4312 - Real Time Theory

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of how media theories can be used to examine and analyse social media
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ethical issues of social media creation and usage, and the issues that arise from a ‘real-time media’
Produce a research essay into the issues that surround real-time media and utilise relevant media theories to explore and critically analyse elements therein.

Content:

This module aims to explore and critically analyse the modern world of communicative digital and social media within the framework of existing theoretical models, whilst also using contemporary cultural and psychological studies to explain and understand social media and our use of it. Theories of behavioural and social economics will be used to explain and predict online behaviour and online tools used to measure and report online engagement will be introduced to verify or refute predictions.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A series of lectures and seminars which will help direct the student into their chosen topic whereupon individual time can be booked for detailed consultancy. It is intended that individual consult time can be non-physical (email, Hangouts, Instant messaging,Twitter, Webcam etc).

Lectures
Contact Hours: 18
Intended Group size: 24

Seminars
Contact hours: 18
Intended Group size: 12

Individual consultancy
Contact hours: 4
Intended Group size: 1

Guided independent study
House: 160

Further details relating to assessment
It is intended that the essay proposal be a preparation for the essay and should detail methods and literature that will be used, as well as the area and issues that will be explored.

Other relevant matters
We are providing all students with chromebooks, though they may choose to use other devices such as as e-readers or mobile phones.

Assessment: