Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2017 - 2018

Module Title	Analysing Media Content
Module Code	CM135
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Prof. Patrick Brereton	Office Number	C142A
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To develop core foundational skills of reading and interpreting across a wide range of media, including film, TV, Photography as well as Print and 'new' media. Using broad categorising/interpreting tools such as Genre, Narrative, Linguistic, Representation (Ideology) alongside formal/stylistic tools of media conventions, basic semiotics, image analysis etc. to develop a framework for reading and interpreting mass media artifacts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically read a wide range of media texts
2. Understand the relationship between media texts and their historical, political and cultural contexts
3. Develop the grammar and language of media analysis to interpret a range of media
4. Apply a study of the signs and meanings of still and moving images
5. Complete a close textual analysis of a range of media texts

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Weekly class contact
Seminars	11	Weekly presentations and discussion
Group work	35	Group assignment - visual image analysis
Assignment Completion	35	Individulal assignment - textual analysis of film
Online activity	40	Use of course-related material on Moodle
Directed learning	30	Curated visits to art galleries and exhibitions
Independent Study	30	Accessing media studies and film journals
Independent Study	47	General research and writing
Total Workload: 250

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

Visual Media Literacy

Compositional Interpretation

Semiology and Advertising Images

Media Literacy

Ideology & Photography

Film Form

Film Story-telling: story structure, film narrative and narration

Film Genres: genre tropes, mythology and marketing

Documentary & Music Videos: moving image media

New Smart/Postmodern Film TV

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	40%	Examination Weight	60%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

P. Brereton: 2001, Continuum Guide to Media Education, Continuum,
G. Branston and R. Stafford: 2006, The Media Studies Guide, Routledge,
P. Long and T. Wall: 2009, Media Studies:, Pearson,
J. Nelmes (ed): 2007, Introduction to Film Studies, 3rd ed, Routledge Press,
J. Hill and P. C. Gibson: 1998, The Oxford Guide to Film Studies, Oxford Press,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BAJG	Bachelor of Arts (BAJG)
BAJL	Bachelor of Arts (BAJL)
BAJM	Bachelor of Arts (BAJM)
BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
CCS	BA in Contemporary Culture and Society
CS	BA in Communication Studies
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
JHLMS	Bachelor of Arts Jnt Hons(Law&Media Std)
JHMFR	Bachelor of Arts Jnt Hon(MediaStud&Fren)
JHMIL	Bachelor of Arts J.H.( M.S & Int. Lang)
JHMSI	Bachelor of Arts J.H. (MediaStud&Irish)
JHPOM	Bachelor of Arts J.H.(Politics&Med Stu)
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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