Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module will explore (the concept of) cultural phenomena and the role that mainstream media (broadcast media, digital media, print media), social media and PR campaigns can play in how cultural phenomena are formed, shaped, sustained and decline.

This is explored through a series of key themes; ‘Cultural Phenomena’, 'Virality & The Internet’, ‘Social Currency’, ‘Triggers,’ Emotion', ‘Public’, ‘Practical Value’, ‘Stories, 'Blockbusters', 'Audiences', 'Events/Festivals' 'Branding' 'Consumer Culture' and 'Cultural Capital'.

The module will utilise (both historical and topical) case studies drawn from current and past Exhibitions, Artworks, Music, Films, Sporting Events, Festivals and Regional, National & International Events.

The module will encourage students to engage with the changing nature of media and through their own interaction with case studies and literature. This will allow them to critically examine their own engagement with different forms of digital cultural communication, and reflect on how they themselves implicitly/ explicitly contribute to the growth and decline of cultural phenomena.

Outline Of Syllabus

- Key themes in this module will include; Virality & The Internet, Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, Stories, Blockbusters, Audiences, Events, Branding, Consumer Culture, Cultural Capital.

- The module will also include assignment briefing and surgery.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module, students should be able to

1.       Understand and critically analyse the key characteristics of Cultural Phenomena
2.       Use a wide variety of research methods to gather and interpret examples appropriate to the module themes
3.       Understand and critically analyse the role of different media platforms in relation to the module themes
4.       Develop familiarity with key theoretical frameworks used for analysing media and PR material and how they apply to the module themes
5.       Deepen their critical understanding of their own role in the development and decline of Cultural Phenomena

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the modules, students should be able to

1.       Understand and critically analyse the characteristics of Cultural Phenomena; specifically how they develop, grow and decline.
2.       Understand and critically analyse the role of social media, PR and mainstream media in the development, growth and decline of Cultural Phenomena
3.       Utilise a range of effective research methods appropriate to identifying historical and current examples of Cultural Phenomena
4.       Independently evaluate and apply a range conceptual frameworks appropriate to the module themes.
5.       Carry out various forms of advanced research, identifying case studies for small group teaching and essays.
6.       Deliver work to a specified length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures in the module will introduce students to the key concepts, debates and ideas relating to Cultural Phenomena.

Small group teaching will enable these theoretical issues to be discussed and explored in a more informal setting and will include the presentation of case studies and readings relevant to the themes of the module.

The ongoing presentation/ use of case studies will allow students to develop awareness of the subjects and consolidate theoretical concepts, methodological approaches as well as allow them to reflect on practical implications/ impacts of their own use of media and communication tools.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Part one of the assignment is the analysis of current or historical case study. This is a written assignment and should be based on a relevant example of a cultural phenomenon. Students will be asked to discuss and analyse the case study in relation to the key module themes.

The second part of the assignment is an essay, selected from a list of questions relating to key topics and themes addressed in the module. Critical thinking, academic research, writing and referencing skills will be assessed across both modules.

General Notes

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