Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

For Study Abroad students, a background in Media, Communication and Cultural Studies is recommended.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to develop students’ understanding of textual and discursive approaches to media representation in relation to youth identity through analyses of a range of contemporary media texts. The module places emphasis on intersectional approaches to youth identity such as gender, race, LGBTQ, class and disability. While the primary focus is on representations of youth identity, this module will also explore how young people are positioned as consumers and producers of contemporary media. By the end of the module, students will be able to critically analyse how discourses of youth identity are mediated within a range of contemporary texts, such as films, television, newspapers, magazines and digital culture, and how these discourses circulate within media culture and more broadly in society.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module offers theoretical perspectives from media studies, cultural studies and sociology as well as the critical tools needed to explore how youth identities are constructed and represented in contemporary media.

Module content includes:

- Theories of youth, identity, (self-)representation, individualism and authenticity;
- Moral panics related to youth identities;
- Representations of youth in contemporary film and television
- Youth and digital culture – self-representation and online activism;
- Youth identities and the intersections of gender, race, class and disability.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

- A critical knowledge of how youth identities are constructed in contemporary media;
- An understanding of the theoretical frameworks and approaches through which we can explore the construction of youth identities;
- An understanding of how youth identities intersect across various social divisions.

Intended Skill Outcomes

- The ability to critically analyse the construction and mediation of youth identities in a range of media texts;
- The ability to utilise and apply appropriate theoretical arguments and frameworks to analyses of representations of youth identities;
- An ability to effectively communicate information, argument and analysis in a variety of forms.
- The ability to think critically and research independently.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge of, and ability to critically analyse, how youth identities are constructed and represented in contemporary media. The teaching methods are designed to facilitate these aims and learning outcomes. The formal lectures will introduce students to the key theoretical concepts and tools needed to analyse media texts in relation to youth identities and provide a range of contemporary examples. The small group teaching in the form of weekly seminars enables critical engagement with the key ideas discussed in the lectures, where students are encouraged to draw on their own examples in preparation for the assessment. As well as weekly lectures and seminars, students are also invited to attend weekly drop-in sessions that will provide additional support where necessary.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students will be assessed on their ability to convey and apply their understanding of the theoretical frameworks covered on the module and their ability to critically analyse media texts in relation to youth identities. The main mode of assessment is 2500 word essay (75%), which requires students to critically analyse two examples of media texts in relations to theories and ideas covered on the course. They are required to formulate their own essay title/ question, which will assess their ability to research independently. Students will also be assessed on their academic writing and referencing skills.

Students are also required to write an assessed blog post in relation to one aspect of youth identity covered on the course, and to provide peer commentary on at least two of their peers’ posts on a closed blog platform (25%). Students will be assessed on their ability to write in a different mode and their ability to make academic ideas accessible, which has broader links to employability skills. The peer-to-peer feedback will enable students to communicate and engage with their peers in a constructive and respectful manner and further their own learning and understanding.

General Notes

N/A