Media and Communication Theory
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| INCM4034 | School of International Communications | 4 | 20 | Autumn China |
- Code
- INCM4034
- School
- School of International Communications
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn China
Summary
This module offers an introduction to communications theory. Through the study of key concepts and theories, as well as examples of communications across a range of media, students are provided with opportunities to develop expertise both in interpreting theoretical texts and in applying theory to an understanding of communication technologies and the information society within differing social, cultural and institutional settings. Students are also provided with opportunities to critically assess the limitations of existing communications theories and to provide alternative concepts and models. Students will have an opportunity to present their readings in both written and oral form and to develop the language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.
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
MA students in International Communications and related programmes at the University of Nottingham Ningbo campus.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: 2,000 words
- 50% Presentation 1: 15 minute presentation
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
• Study communications theories and their relationship to concepts of society and culture;• Apply communications theories to an understanding of communications within and between differing institutional, social and cultural settings;• Critically assess the limitations of existing theoretical concepts as a means of understanding communications; and, where possible, suggest alternatives.Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding: students will typically acquire (A2) knowledge and a critical understanding of the theories and practices governing communication, both verbal and non-verbal; (A3) the ability to evaluate the complex and diverse character of human societies and the multiple forces of change and continuity within them; (A4) an awareness and understanding of the differences and similarities between the societies and cultures of modern Europe, the Americas and East-Asia; (A5) reflected critically on the nature of the disciplines represented on the degree. B. Intellectual skills: students will be able to (B1) gather, process and evaluate information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic sources; (B2) reflect and judge in the light of evidence and argument; (B3) understand concepts and ideas and relate them to specific problems; (B4) identify and describe questions and problems; (B5) apply techniques and concepts appropriate for the analysis of social, political and historical materials; (B6) apply techniques and concepts appropriate for the analysis of literary and cultural materials.C. Professional/practical skills: students will be able to (C1) select, sift and synthesise information from a wide range of sources; (C2) identify and compare key arguments in primary and/or secondary source materials; (C4) use IT to access sources and information and to complete assignments.D. Transferable skills: students will be able to (D2) manage large, disparate and often incomplete bodies of information; (D3) express themselves clearly, coherently and fluently in writing through essays and reports; (D4) give a clear, fluent and well-structured oral presentation; (D5) work and learn actively with others; (D6) manage and take responsibility for their own learning; (D7) use IT for research and presentation purposes.
Conveners
- Zhan ZHANG