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Understanding Media

Module description

In this module you will explore how sociologists, anthropologists and cultural theorists understand the place, role and significance of different media in society. Looking at traditional and digital media platforms and different types of media (such as, but not limited to news, entertainment and advertising), the module asks: how are media, society, culture and communication related? How are media changing and what are the implications of these processes? How do we use and interpret different media and how are our identities mediated? What, for instance, do celebrity culture and gaming tell us about ourselves and our cultural values? With the use of specific examples, you will examine key issues and debates in these fields. No prior knowledge of sociological perspectives is necessary. This module is suitable for both specialist and non-specialist students and its interdisciplinary outlook will appeal to students in social sciences and humanities.

Module aims - intentions of the module

You will learn about different media and their use and impact and gain insight into topical debates in the fields of sociology, anthropology and cultural and media studies (among others). This module will help you develop the critical tools to engage with and assess the relevance and importance of media in society. You will gain an analytical stance and an ability to scrutinise and question various perspectives on media in society.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the major debates on the place, role and importance of media in society
• 2. Critically evaluate various sources on the development and use different types of media and media platforms

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Critically assess claims about the role of media in society using sociological and other academic perspectives
• 4. Demonstrate a critical approach to the selection and use of relevant social science sources to present coherent arguments about the relation between media and society

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Communicate effectively in written and verbal form
• 6. Plan and work independently and in groups

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Media: theoretical foundations, issues and questions 
• Audiences, users and consumers 
• The fourth estate: news and broadcasting 
• The entertainment industry and celebrity culture 
• Advertising
• Gender, class, race and the media
• Social networks and digital identities 
• Gaming 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

If you are required to submit a second essay for re-assessment, this cannot be on the same topic as the first essay

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Baym, N. 2010. Personal Connections in the Digital Age. London: Polity.

Beer, D., 2016. Metric Power. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Berger, A.A., 2020. Ads, Fads, and Consumer Culture: Advertising's Impact on American Character and Society. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Christin, A., 2020. Metrics at Work: Journalism and the Contested Meaning of Algorithms. Princeton University Press.

Crawford, G. 2012. Video Gamers. London: Routledge.

Gill, Rosalind 2007. Gender and the Media. London: Wiley.

Rojek, C., 2012. Fame Attack: The inflation of Celebrity and its Consequences. Bloomsbury Academic.

Key words search

Media, Society, Culture, Advertising, Gender, News