Communication and Culture

Code

INCM1030

School

School of International Communications

Level

1

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

This module draws on contemporary theoretical and empirical work from the fields of media, communication and cultural studies to address the questions of cultural identity in relation to how meaning is made, as well as participation. This module encourages students to approach communication and culture as inextricably linked. Lectures and tutorials will invite you to consider the ways that media texts, media participation and media research can be used to shape opinions or behaviours, to entertain, to distract, to form identities, and to build communities. You will also be invited to reflect on the ways that you use and enjoy media, and the ways your media consumption and production practices may (or may not) reflect your values, attitudes, and sense of identity. The modules deals with issues of gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, sexuality, subcultures, and more.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Spring semester.  First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.

Target Students

BA students in International Communications and related programmes at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

Classes

• One 1-hour workshop each week for 10 weeks
• One 1-hour-30-minute seminar each week for 10 weeks
• One 1-hour-30-minute lecture each week for 10 weeks

One 2 hour lecture per week x 10 weeks = 20 hours; One 1 hour seminar per week x 10 weeks = 10 hours Plus independent study = 120 hours.

Assessment

• 40% Coursework 1: 2,000 words
• 60% Coursework 2: 3,000 words

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

• a clear overview of the theory and practice of communication, cultural and media studies;
• increased ability to read, write and understand cultural, communication and media theory and practice;
• skills to apply appropriate theoretical concepts and methodologies as a means of understanding media, communications and culture;
• an awareness of and be able to intervene in issues in the media, communications and culture;
• methodological experience to be able to analyse practices of media and cultural consumption and analysis;
• reflection on and experiment with their own media, communications and cultural practices and consumption.
• an increased ability to construct and defend a coherent and well-researched argument;
• an increased ability to communicate ideas effectively both in writing and speech;
• an increased ability to engage in critical and constructive interactions with peers and workmates;
• an increased ability to engage in independent, creative and reflective learning;
• an increased ability to time manage and exercise general organisational skills.

   

Conveners

• Dr Lei Hao