This module is about the way that any professional media practice is informed by the work and ideas of others in both a contemporary and historic context. Throughout the course, you will explore and discuss a range of critical perspectives and how they relate to our reading and understanding of media texts. You will develop their research skills and engage with primary and secondary sources to add to the depth and breadth of knowledge of the theories and concepts covered.


You will leave this module having developed their own critical response to texts of their choosing. You will have a greater knowledge of how social, critical and theoretical approaches can be used to develop their understanding of media texts.

Assessment 1 – Bitesize Theory Portfolio [LO 1,3]

You will explore a range of concepts and ideas and provide their own summary and application to evidence knowledge and understanding of the concept.



Assessment 2 – Essay [LO 2]

You will critically analyse a media text using the concepts and theories studied using specific examples and utilising theory effectively. This is a negotiated outcome assessment where you can choose the final format, I.e. video essay/essay/podcast.



All individually assessed.

Mixed mode teaching

Seminars

Active research workshops

Viewing and analysing work of existing practitioners

1.DEMONSTRATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF A RANGE OF CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND THEORIES THROUGH APPLICATION TO A RANGE OF MEDIA ARTEFACTS

Knowledge & Understanding


2. DEMONSTRATE APPRORIATE RESEARCH METHODS, ENGAGING WITH A RANGE OF SOURCES TO DEVELOP A DETAILED THEORY PORTFOLIO

Enquiry


3. APPLY DETAILED ANALYSIS TO A MEDIA TEXT, EXPLORING HOW THEORETICAL CONCEPTS HAVE INFORMED YOUR ANALYSIS

Analysis

Classrooms

Computer access / internet access

Library

Digital Camera Equipment

Benshoff, H. (2015).¿Film and Television Analysis: An Introduction to Methods, Theories, and Approaches. London: Routledge.

Berger, A (2018). Media Analysis Techniques. Sage

Branston, G. and Stafford, R. (2010).¿The Media Student's Book. New York: Routledge.

Couldry, N. (2008).¿Media rituals: A Critical Approach. London: Routledge.

Curran, J. (2009).¿Media and Cultural Theory. London: Routledge.

Harcup, T. (2015).¿Journalism: Principles and Practice. London: SAGE.

Hartigan, C. and James, M. (2014).¿The Creative Writing Student's Handbook. London: Createspace.

Hudson, G. and Rowlands, S. (2014).¿The Broadcast Journalism Handbook. London: Routledge.

Morrison, M. (2010).¿Key concepts in Creative Writing. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Storey, J. (2015).¿Cultural Theory and Popular Culture An Introduction. New York: Routledge.

Have you ever wondered how the media is influenced by existing practitioners and pieces of work? In this module, you will learn about how and why other creative practitioners do the things they do and will understand how your own work can benefit from this knowledge.



You will attend a series of lectures exploring relevant concepts and theories in which you will take careful notes and apply these theories to your own choice of texts. You will carry out independent research to find out more about key aspects that have interested or influenced you. You will apply your theoretical knowledge to texts and productions from your area of expertise.



This module explores the different theoretical perspectives that we view texts through based on our own experiences and the experiences of others. You will study how conventions are being challenged to fit the needs of new and increasingly diverse audiences. You will produce an artefact in which you apply critical readings to a media text. Throughout the module, you will have developed the research and academic study skills to enable you to articulate how the concepts you have studied influence an audience’s engagement with a media text or production. This may take the form of a written essay, video essay or podcast.