Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description To offer students an account of the historical development of the mass media both internationally and nationally. Moreover the module seeks identify and discuss the impact of those historically contingent sets of social, political and economic circumstances/forces on the form, function and organisation of the mass media. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. 1D647122-FC69-0001-473F-770022B9A300 2. identify the key historical moments and events in the development of mass media institutions in Ireland, the UK and the USA. 3. 1D647122-855B-0001-C469-15421A051924 4. distinguish between public service broadcasting and commercial broadcasting systems in terms of their funding mechanisms, their regulation and their programme output. 5. 1D647122-887E-0001-E268-3980A70B63A0 6. identify how changing social, political and cultural contexts shape the working definition of public service at particular historical moments. 7. 1D647122-9025-0001-FF87-79B0535448F0 8. analyse the impact on individual mass media texts (films, television series etc.) of the fact that they have been produced by media conglomerates which simultaneously operate across national borders and across a range of different media industries. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Irish Print Media History Establishment of the early Irish press in 17th and 18th centuries, development politically-motivated (primarily nationalist press) in the 19th century, emergence of mature newspaper market in 20th century. British Broadcasting History Establishment of BBC and related development of concept of Public Service Broadcasting from the 1920s, emergence of commercial broadcasting in the 1950s, effect of new distribution technologies from the 1970s through to the 1990s and an examination of the related changes in market/regulatory environments. RTE History Establishment of state-owned broadcasting monopoly in the early 1920s, development of funding models for early broadcasting, introduction of broadcast censorship during WWII and 'The Troubles'. Emergence of commercial competition (pirate and legal) in the 1970s and 1980s. Implications of globalisation of broadcasting for local content. US Broadcasting History Emergence of US control over domestic broadcasting industry, identification of rationale underlying adoption of largely commercial organisation of broadcasting industry, beginning of television from 1940s, heyday of the TV networks (1950-1970s), arrival of cable competition, increasing integration of networks into larger media conglomerates. Hollywood Description of early competition and tendencies towards monopoly in US film industry (Patent Wars and MPPC), emergence and decline of studio system, integration of studios into corporate holding companies, increasing convergence of film and television production at an ownership level, emergence of cross-/multi-media corporate giants in 1980s and 1990s. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||