MCH3002 : Youth, Identity and Contemporary Media
MCH3002 : Youth, Identity and Contemporary Media
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Sarah Hill
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
For Study Abroad students, a background in Media, Communication and Cultural Studies is recommended.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
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 media texts, 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 may include:
- Theories of youth, identity, (self-)representation, individualism and authenticity;
- Moral panics related to youth identities;
- Youth and digital culture – self-representation and online activism.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
A student successfully completing the module will have:
- 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
A student successfully completing the module will be able to:
- Critically analyse the construction and mediation of youth identities in a range of media texts;
- Utilise and apply appropriate theoretical arguments and frameworks to analyses of representations of youth identities;
- Effectively communicate information, argument and analysis in a variety of forms.
- Think critically and research independently.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 14:00 | 14:00 | Formative essay plan |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Weekly lectures |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Non-synchronous online video introducing students to module (30 mins) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Summative assessment: Essay |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 10 | 4:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Weekly seminars designed to enhance knowledge and understanding. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Discussion board to prepare for Assessment Preparation and Revision lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 18:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Online Discussion | 7 | 2:00 | 14:00 | Discussion board to be used to prepare for seminar discussions. |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 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 enables critical engagement with the key ideas where students are encouraged to draw on their own examples in preparation for the assessment.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | A | 100 | 3000-word essay |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Formative essay plan in preparation for essay assessment, 500 words. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment for this module is a 3000-word essay (100%). Students will have the opportunity submit formative essay plans and be provided with feedback that can help to inform the essay assessment. The online discussion board and related seminar discussions will also provide the opportunity for formative feedback in class and enable students to communicate in a variety of ways.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH3002's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MCH3002's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.