New Media and Digital Culture
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CULT2023 | Cultural, Media and Visual Studies | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- CULT2023
- School
- Cultural, Media and Visual Studies
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
New media and digital culture are significantly transforming the ways in which our societies operate. This module critically explores the key issues behind this transformation. In doing so, the module provides a historical overview of the emergence of new media and digital culture and engages with issues and practices that have been said to differentiate new media from older forms of media and their associated forms of communication. The module equips students with core knowledge of the theoretical and practical foundations of new media and their relationship to contemporary digital culture and related communicative acts.
Lectures and seminars develop students' understanding of the cultural, political, economic, technical and regulatory contexts from which new media and digital culture have emerged and in which they continue to operate. In order to link the various conceptual frameworks learnt to real-life experiences and situations effectively, the module provides students with opportunities to explore the interactive forms and practices that result from the use of new media and related digital practices through a range of both individual and group activities and exercises.
Coursework assessment will replace all failed assessment components at the reassessment stage.
Target Students
Only available for International Media and Communication Studies students, Film and Television Studies students, History of Art students, Liberal Arts students and Exchange students.
Classes
- One 1-hour-30-minute seminar each week for 11 weeks
- One 1-hour-30-minute 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
- 40% Coursework 1: 2,000 word essay
- 30% Coursework 2: 500 word feedback reflection
- 30% Coursework 3: 500 word overall learning reflection
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
1. To provide a sound breadth and depth of knowledge of a broad range of contemporary forms of new media and digital culture. 2. To cultivate critical engagement with the different factors that have shaped and continue to shape the development of digital culture and associated new media cultures. 3. To develop analytical and conceptual skills in both oral and written engagement with digital culture and new media contexts from cultural, political, economic, technical and regulatory perspectives. 4. To advance students' familiarity with key debates and discourses in the field of digital culture and related new media technologies and practices. 5. To convey the skills required to carry out analysis of digital texts in their social, cultural, political and technological contexts at an advanced level.Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate
(A2) knowledge and robust critical understanding of the numerous contexts within which digital culture and new media are applied;
(A2) knowledge and critical understanding of the historical contexts of digital culture and new media, how these have evolved, and continue to evolve;
(A3) show a good awareness of key scholarship and other significant discourses and how they inform the study of digital culture and new media and their relationship to various social, economic and cultural practices.
(A5) ability to assess the wider impact of the constantly evolving digital culture and new media contexts including the emergence of new modes of interactive forms and practices;
They will demonstrate (B1) a range of research skills required to interrogate and interpret the application, context and impact of digital culture and new media on society both through individual and collective activities and exercises.
They will (D4) Reflect upon their own cultural commitments and participatory practices within digital environments in relation to those of others and appreciate the ethical and political basis of such considerations;
(D7) Demonstrate confidence in exploring new and emerging issues drawing upon variety of academic and non-academic resources, and in acquiring new competencies and skills.