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Module

MCH3002 : Youth, Identity and Contemporary Media

  • Offered for Year: 2022/23
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Sarah Hill
  • Owning School: Arts & Cultures
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0

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.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials10:300:30Non-synchronous online video introducing students to module (30 mins)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture112:0022:00On-campus weekly lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Assessment 1: Critical Discussion
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion170:0070:00Assessment 2: Essay
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading104:0040:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:0011:00Weekly seminars designed to enhance knowledge and understanding. On campus but can move online
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion10:300:30Discussion board to prepare for Assessment Preparation and Revision lecture
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study118:0018:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyOnline Discussion92:0018:00Discussion board to be used to prepare for seminar discussions.
Total200:00
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 non-synchronous 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.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M20Critical discussion. 500-word critical analysis posted to a discussion board with max. 500 words of comments on other posts.
Essay1A803000-word essay
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The critical discussion prepares students for their final essay as an ability to critically analyse media texts in relation to key themes is a central component of the assessment. The comments function to encourage students to engage with their peers and further their understanding. The critical discussion assessment also requires students to communicate ideas clearly and succinctly for an audience, which has broader links to employability.

Reading Lists

Timetable