GEN1000 Perspectives on General Education
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The module provides a broad overview of the key theories and debates concerning the relationship between media, culture and society. It examines relations between culture, media and society through consideration of sites of cultural production. The module also addresses the significance of contemporary media in cultural development, cultural practice and social experience. Through the exploration of a number of current media products and processes, it enhances students’ awareness of the media and their influence on daily life.
Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:
a. develop an understanding of key theories and debates concerning the relationship between media, culture and society;
b. identify the strength and weakness of the technological, institutional, textual and user-based approaches to the understanding of media and culture;
c. understand the cultural, social, political, historical and economic aspects of new media technologies;
d. be critically aware of the significant issues concerning new media technologies in their own culture and society; and
e. achieve a better understanding of how local identities are constructed in a globalizing world.
1. Introduction
1.1 Definitions
1.2 The relationship of culture, media and society
1.3 Media and cultural research methodologies
2. The role of media in cultural and social change
2.1 The media as manipulator
2.2 Construction of news
2.3 The rise of public sphere
2.4 The active audience
3. Media and identity
3.1 Media representations and cultural identity
3.2Cultural production and identityformation
3.3 Media and postmodern culture
4. The impact of new technology on culture and society
4.1 The development of the internet
4.2 The impact and media effects
4.3 The implications
1. Participation (10%)
2. Quiz (20%)
3. Group Presentation (20%)
4. Individual Essay (50%)
