MCH3002 : Youth, Identity and Contemporary Media
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- 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 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 may include:
- 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;
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Non-synchronous online video introducing students to module (30 mins) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Non-synchronous online. Materials enable students to engage with content, inc. readings, activities |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Learning consolidation lectures on campus. Can be delivered non-synchronously online if necessary |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Assessment 1: Critical Discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | Assessment 2: 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. On campus but can move online |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Discussion board to feed in to revision/ assessment prep lecture/seminar |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 37:00 | 37:00 | N/A |
| 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 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
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 20 | Critical discussion. 500-word critical analysis posted to a discussion board with max. 500 words of comments on other posts. |
| Essay | 1 | A | 80 | 3000-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
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH3002's Timetable