Module: Media Theory & History

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Media Theory & History
Module Code	CM167 (ITS) / MCO1023 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Marcos Dias
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
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.

*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: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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.