Understanding the Chinese Creative Industries

Code	School	Level	Credits	Semesters
INCM2025	School of International Communications	2	10	Autumn China

Code: INCM2025
School: School of International Communications
Level: 2
Credits: 10
Semesters: Autumn China

Summary

This module will analyse the emergence and development of the culture industry, focusing mainly on its growth in highly industrialised nations since the 1990s. The programme will analyse the growth of what are often now commonly referred to as the creative industries under the UK's New Labour government from 1997 to 2010 and examine the influence of those policies and practices on other nations. A significant amount of time will be spent on analysing the creative industries in a number of Chinese cities, including Ningbo and Shanghai. The module will also contain a critique of the culture industry, in particular exploring the debates relating to conceptual terms such as 'creative industries', 'cultural industries' and the 'creative economy'.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Autumn 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

Students in Part I (Year 3) of the BA in International Communications Studies and related programmes at UNNC. It is also open to eligible exchange/study abroad students from UNUK and UNMC. Subject to numbers, the module could also be made available as an option to students on other degrees. 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 seminar each week for 10 weeks
One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

Assessment

100% Project 1: Equivalent 2,000 words+1,500 words

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

To encourage students to think critically in their assessment of contemporary issues relating to the culture industry. To make students aware of the impact of the culture industry on the economy and in its transformation of work practices in many parts of society. To provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to exploit the new opportunities created by the culture industry both in employment and education.

Learning Outcomes

a)Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the module students should be able to:

use a wide range of source material effectively and critically and to be aware of the special nature of primary sources and other relevant data;

assess the limitations of existing theoretical concepts in light of changing technological and social conditions;

explore the forces of continuity and change in a specific context, taking note of different, economic, political social and cultural perspectives.
b)Intellectual skills: By the end of the module students should be able to:

think critically and imaginatively about the growth of the culture industry and its influence on contemporary society;

think reflectively and critically in relation to the discipline and the process of learning;

develop personal insights and to make independent judgments on the basis of primary source material, other relevant data and a wide reading of secondary literature.
c)Professional/practical skills: The module will develop students' ability to:

apply a rigorous level of critical analysis;

identify and address problems;

identify areas of the culture industry which might facilitate their future intellectual development and provide possible future paths for career development.
d)Transferable skills: The module will enhance students' ability to:

develop skills in the management of large, disparate and often incomplete bodies of information;

develop skills in written communication;

manage and take responsibility for their own learning.

Conveners

Dr Filippo Gilardi

View in Curriculum Catalogue

Last updated 09/01/2025.