School of Humanities  
 
 
MDS-20029 DIY Broadcasting: Digital Culture and You  
Co-ordinator: Dr Elizabeth Poole   Tel:34968  
Teaching Team: Mrs Victoria  Norman, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts, Mr Sam  Galantini,  Paul  Rixon  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Media, Communications and Culture Dual Honours (Level 2)
Media, Communications and Culture Minor (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None
Prerequisites
None
Description

Although initially developed as a method of military and scientific communication in the 1960s, since the early 1990s internet use has become increasingly popular, with the majority of households in developed countries now connected to high-speed broadband. The internet age has bought about changes in modern society and the way that we communicate - perhaps most notably in the form of increased access to information, culture and the global marketplaces.

This module explores the impact of new technologies on media forms and audiences. In particular we will explore how these developments have democratised the media and provided opportunities for users to be producers. We will consider the questions this so-called democratisation of media raises. Can media truly be owned any more? What is the role of copyright? Where, if at all, do the boundaries between the amateur and professional lie? Perhaps most importantly, have the masses finally found their voice in modern society though collaboration and communication on a mass scale, or are we increasingly distracted and confused by a cacophony of anonymous and indistinguishable chatter? Over the course of this module there will be a variety of lectures, seminars and some practical sessions.

Assessment is based on a group practical piece and an individual critical evaluation (50%), plus an essay at 50%.

Introductory Reading:
Staiger J and Hake, S (2009) Convergence Media History. Routledge
Lister, M et al (2008) 2nd ed New Media: A Critical Introduction, London: Routledge
Trend, D. (2001) Reading Digital Culture, Blackwell.
Aims
The module is designed to engage students in the study of new media, webcasting, internet TV, citizen journalism/broadcasting and online communication technologies. It will also further develop practical filmmaking skills acquired in year one. The module will largely focus on audiences and new technologies. Through a range of practical activities, we will also consider issues such as the legal and ethical implications of being a broadcaster and the consequences, both professionally and socially, of democratising broadcasting.




Intended Learning Outcomes
Evaluate theoretical debates about, and critically reflect on, emerging communications technologies and their relationship to and with media and society at large. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Engage with online content such as forums, wikis, and blogs and other social media in order to develop an understanding of the democratisation of the media and growing public participation will be achieved by assessments: 2
Produce audiovisual/social media content, based on research and analysis of existing broadcast material, and with an awareness of target audience, legal and ethical implications. will be achieved by assessments: 2
Study hours
24 contact hours of lectures, workshops, individual supervision, pratical sessions
48 hours of reflection, revision and consolidation of theory and practice introduced in lectures, workshops and group supervision including research and individual skills development
18 hours for group project development
60 hours of practical work in the production of assessed final product
Description of Module Assessment
01: Essay weighted 50%
2000 word essay
Standard 2000 word essay from a set of 8 questions.
02: Project weighted 30%
Social media project (group)
Students are required to create a social media group project (such as a blog, wiki, digital video/audio programme). This should be supported by an individual critical evaluation of 1000 words on the relationship between the technology on media, audiences and society.
03: Online Tasks weighted 20%
Collaborative workspace
A collaborative forum and blogging space for students to make collective analysis of course materials, discuss theories, share research etc. The assessment of the individual student's contribution (in terms both of quantity and quality) to the forum will be based on an evaluation by the tutor by reference to marking criteria available in the module handbook.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 02/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.