Media and Communications Theory
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC1153 | Media, Languages and Cultures | 1 | 20 | Full Year Malaysia |
- Code
- MLAC1153
- School
- Media, Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year Malaysia
Summary
This module critically examines the social forces that have shaped the emergence of different media, with a specific focus on the mass media of the press, broadcasting and the internet. It explores key debates surrounding the development, composition and function of these different media forms. Lectures will place the development of these media within an historical context, examining the social, political, economic and cultural conditions that shaped the evolution of the press, broadcasting and the internet. Students will also be encouraged to assess the gains and shortcomings of particular theoretical models and to consider the processes that obstruct and frustrate the ambition of establishing clear channels of communication. Students will also explore the social, economic and political implications of information communication technology (ICT) adoption; in particular the potential to widen democratic participation, the challenge of digital divide between the information rich and poor and to the issue of human-machine interaction.
Target Students
Compulsory module for first year students registered on BA International Communications Studies. Available as subsidiary to all Year 1 and Year 2 students not registered on the above BA. Available to JYA/Erasmus students. Available to JYA/Erasmus students. This Module has been identified as being particularly suitable for first year students, including those from other Schools.
Classes
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 24 weeks
Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework: 2500 words essay
- 60% Exam (2-hour): 2-hour written exam
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
Education Aims: To familiarise students with the interdisciplinary field of communications theory, including communication technologies.To encourage students to discriminate between particular theoretical positions.To enable students to analyse a range of communicative texts, acts and contexts and the impact of technology upon communications practice.To enable students to reflect upon their own technologised communications practicesLearning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding:
This module will provide students with:
- a broad knowledge of the terrain of communications theory as well as an understanding of the historical evolution and contemporary forms of information and communications technologies;
- the theoretical equipment to deal with a wide range of communications situations;
- a glossary of key terms, concepts and models relevant to the field of communications studies.
B. Intellectual Skills:
This module will encourage students to:
- consider the distinctions between, for example, information and noise, and encoding and decoding;
- research, gather information and apply particular models and theories to concrete communications situations;
- develop critical awareness in deciding between particular models and approaches to communication;
- apply critical thinking in assessing the economic and ecological issues at stake in technologised communications;
Conveners
- Dr Sandeep Ray