Technology and the Transformations of Communication
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CULT4043 | Cultural, Media and Visual Studies | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- CULT4043
- School
- Cultural, Media and Visual Studies
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Examining contemporary global media and the technologisation of all forms of communication within the knowledge economy, this module explores the role of technology in: shaping processes of symbolic exchange; the material organisation of cultures; the growth of communication 'power' and subjective capacities for action. The module is organised around three inter-related strands of enquiry, which will address these core themes in terms of: 1) material and technological history of communication practices; 2) shifting geographies of communications environments (or media "ecologies"), moves from analog to digital, "mass" to "social" media, and the implication of these changes; 3) shifting politics of technologized communication.
The module draws together research in media and communication theory, history and philosophy of technology, geography and the sociology of communication, material cultures. It considers debates about the division between technical and cultural understandings of the world, links between technology and experience, critical appraisals of ideas about network and information society, technological determinism, digital infrastructures and theories of socio-technical organisation. The module is interdisciplinary and emphasises a reflexive approach to understanding contemporary technologies of communication so as to facilitate a more focused appreciation of the problematic quality of their implication within contemporary communications practices.
Target Students
Only available to students on MA International Media Communication, MResin Critical Theory, MRes inCultural Studies and Exchange students at level 4.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: Coursework - Portfolio of work including written work or equivalent not to exceed 4,000 words
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to:Enable students to explore the transformational role of technology in globalised media communicationsFacilitate an analysis and understanding of the ways in which technology and the materiality of communication is marginalised in dominant discourses about media and cultureExtend and refine student understanding and knowledge of the contemporary debates in the study of international media communicationsHelp students to develop their appreciation of the importance of combining theoretical and empirical research in the development of case study workLearning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
A1. Knowledge and understanding of a range of ideas and research tackling the relationship between technology and communication in a global context, with an emphasis on addressing the complexities of the transformations accomplished between the two
A2. Specialised knowledge and understanding of at least one area of contemporary communications practice.
A3. Ability independently and critically to explore complex empirical case study material
A4. Ability to identify theories and/or theoretical frameworks and apply in reflexive understanding to contemporary communication practices.
Intellectual skills:
B1. Ability to develop and sustain a coherent argument.
B2. Advanced textual interpretation and analysis.
B3. Conceptual dexterity.
B4. Understanding and appraisal of complex ideas.
B5. Critical analysis of concrete phenomena.
Professional/practical skills:
C1. Scholarly referencing and bibliographical skills
C2. Selection, sifting and synthesis of knowledge from various sources.
C3. Accurate and adroit presentation of knowledge
Transferable skills:
D1. Ability to express complex ideas clearly and coherently in writing and speech.
D2. Word processing
D3. Collation and distillation of conceptual information
D4. Conceptual problem solving
D5. Independent, critical thinking