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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Tetyana Lokot
Semester 2: Tetyana Lokot
Autumn: Tetyana Lokot
Module TeachersDonal Mulligan
Tetyana Lokot
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

This module provides first year undergraduate students with a detailed introduction to foundational theories and theorists relevant to the field of media studies. It provides historical perspectives on the diffusion and societal effect of key communication technologies. Students will develop an understanding of codes, aesthetics, forms, conventions, and roles of media communication in contemporary society, as well as an introduction to the issues of the technology-society relationship, and of politics and power in mass media.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate the relationship of media technologies to contemporary society.
2. Understand and analyse the development of key media forms through history
3. Understand the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on a range of key media forms
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the evolving technologies, genres and language of contemporary practice in Media Studies
5. Demonstrate the structured application of existing media theories to contemporary contexts.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22Attendance is required at lectures and seminars
Class Presentation5Students are required to prepare a topic and present to the class group at least once
Portfolio Preparation15Assignment 1
Directed learning22Recommended Readings
Independent Study33Students are expected to work on topics and concepts outside lectured hours
Total Workload: 97

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Essential Readings
Croteau, D. and Hoynes, W. 2014, Media/Society Industries, Images, and Audiences., 5 Ed., SAGE Thousand Oaks, California Lister, M., Dovey, J., Giddings, S., Grant, I., and Kelly, K. 2009, New media: A Critical Introduction., 2 Ed., Routledge New York, New York

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report(s)During the semester, students will complete an e-portfolio comprising their research on two of the module topics. This component is assessed based on students' demonstrated independent learning, extending from in-class discussions throughout the semester.40%Week 12
EssayStudents will complete a well-referenced and researched essay that takes a single specific visual media form as a case study, and describes how technological and social factors have influenced the evolution of its form over time. Students will assess the degree to which they believe the success of the media form has been technologically determined or socially shaped, making reference to key theories in this area.60%Once per semester
Indicative Reading List

  • Lev Manovich: 0, The Language of New Media, 9780262632522
  • Marshall McLuhan: 2016, Understanding Media, Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 9781537430058
  • Robert K. Logan: 2010, Understanding New Media, Peter Lang, 9781433111266
  • Raymond Williams: 2003, Television, Psychology Press, 9780415314565
  • Neil Postman: 2011, Technopoly, Vintage, 9780307797353
  • Manuel Castells: 2010, The Rise of the Network Society, Wiley-Blackwell, 9781405196864
Other Resources

None
This module replaces the previous CM1310 and CM131 modules, though has this new code.

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