Module: Media Theory & History

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Media Theory & History
Module Code	CM167
School	School of Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Tetyana Lokot Semester 2: Tetyana Lokot Autumn: Tetyana Lokot
Module Teachers	Donal Mulligan Tetyana Lokot
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Attendance is required at lectures and seminars
Class Presentation	5	Students are required to prepare a topic and present to the class group at least once
Portfolio Preparation	15	Assignment 1
Directed learning	22	Recommended Readings
Independent Study	33	Students 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	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
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
Essay	Students 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

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

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.

Programme or List of Programmes

HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
MMA	BSc in Multimedia

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