Communication and Culture

Code

CULT1020

School

Cultural, Media and Visual Studies

Level

1

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module surveys the overlapping fields of communications theory and cultural studies in order to encourage students to approach communications and culture as inextricably linked. As well as providing an introduction to models of communication, media theory, effects research, and debates about mass media, the public sphere and the connections of all of these to democracy, the module also introduces students to the key methodologies and topics of cultural studies that are most relevant in exploring these complex issues: Marxism, ideology-critique, critical race and gender studies, feminism and semiotics. Students will therefore be introduced to key theoretical approaches to the communications process considered in cultural context, and encouraged to develop literacies across a wide range of visual and written sources, including advertising, TV, and journalism. In general then, the module draws on the resources of both communications theory and cultural studies to equip students with the critical tools needed to evaluate the impact of communications practices on contemporary cultures and societies.

Target Students

Available as subsidiary to all Year 1 and Year 2 students not registered on BA International Media and Communication Studies or BA Film and Television.Available to Exchange students.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework: Coursework - 3,000 words portfolio of written work and equivalent

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

a) Knowledge and Understanding:
This module will provide students with:
• a broad knowledge of the terrain of communications theory;
• the theoretical equipment to deal with a wide range of communications situations;
• a glossary of key terms, concepts and models relevant to the field of communications studies.

b) Intellectual Skills: 
This module will encourage students to:
• consider the distinctions between, for example, information and noise, and encoding and decoding;
• research, gather information and apply particular models and theories to concrete communications situations;
• develop critical awareness in deciding between particular models and approaches to communication;
• develop the ability to reflect upon one’s own communications practices and processes.

c) Transferable (key) Skills: 
This module will enhance transferable skills such as:
• retrieving, presenting and communicating complex information and argument clearly in oral and written forms;
• planning and organization skills, including working to deadline and managing resources.

Conveners

• Dr Hongwei Bao