Aims

In a society defined and patterned by multiple discourses on ‘how to organise’, the media represents perhaps the most influential voice of all. Individually held perceptions and expectations of organization and work, and our own likely (and hoped for) roles in them (and our resistance to them) are greatly influenced by media content such as film and television however they are delivered. The media offers us insights into organisations, but only from particular and often limited perspectives. The importance of the perceptions and expectations subsequently encouraged, lies in the fact that, once established, they are then able to influence how organisations (and ultimately society) are themselves patterned. Our expectations of the organisations we become a part of will ultimately help to shape them.

This module seeks to raise awareness among students of management/organization of how certain theorists have emphasized the influence of media over representations, and therefore understandings of and expectations for, management and organisation. It also seeks to develop the abilities of students to be critical analysts, an aptitude which is in high demand by today’s employers and social organizations.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Introduction to the module: Culture; Representing Organisation/Management in Popular Culture
2. Marxist approaches to Popular Culture.
3. Semiotic analytical approaches
4. Discursive analytical approaches
5. Entre-tainment: Entrepreneurship and Popular culture
6. Representation of Organisation in children's stories
7. Representation of the hospital workplace in TV drama
8. Organisational futures / assessment preparation
9. Hollywood representations of female business people / Module summing-up

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures will introduce the students to the main theories and approaches of cultural studies and film analysis. Students will be introduced to the key debates and controversies in the subject area.
Critical approaches to the literature and related analytical techniques will be demonstrated through the lectures, group work, and discussion.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignment will test the students ability to structure and present a theoretically based analysis, and test the student's broader knowledge of the techniques to and approaches taught in the course.