MCH3077 : Digital Power, Politics and Communication
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr James Ash
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The module aims to:
• familiarise students with the key theoretical frameworks and current debates in the field of digital media, power and politics.
• provide an understanding of the impact of digital media on politics and power.
• equip students with skills to undertake research in the field of digital media and power, to be able to analyse the politics of digital devices and platforms.
• engage students in a critical discussion of various theoretical models and their validity at both national and global level, especially in the context of the changing nature of technology and communication patterns that impact politics.
• provide a thorough understanding of the ethical dimensions of digital politics.
• familiarise students with the processes of digital devices in political communication.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics may include
Digital media and power
Digital media and platforms
Digital media and politics of identity
Digital media and discrimination
Digital media and populism
Digital Democracy
New media politics and critique
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Independent study and development of Essay |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 52:00 | 52:00 | Independent study and development of Case Study |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Online non-synchronous - lecture material on Canvas |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 65:00 | 65:00 | Short tasks designed to bolster knowledge of lecture materials and build towards assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Present-in-person. Seminar format - discussion of pre-circulated tasks. Can move online. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Present-in-person workshops. All students in the same single session per week. Can move online |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| MCH8177 | Digital Power, Politics and Communication |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module examines the practices of digital media and power in contemporary society and introduces key theoretical and methodological approaches for the study of production, distribution and consumption of political discourses. It uses weekly podcast-style Sways to provide an initial guide to impart this knowledge. The sessions provide the basis through which advanced study designed to engage with the forefront of academic study can take place. Alongside the Sway material, a weekly whole-group workshop provides opportunity to work on pre-set tasks in groups. Further to this, small-group seminars provide a space where students can engage in critical discussions and individual presentations.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 2 | M | 40 | 1500-word case study |
| Essay | 2 | A | 60 | 2500-word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The theoretical essay will allow students to demonstrate advanced analytical and critical skills and to develop their information literacy skills while exploring the relevant body of literature and practice their writing skills. They will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the chosen theoretical framework, its importance in developing a clear and coherent argument, as well as its limitations.
The assessed case study will test students’ research skills, problem-solving abilities, adaptability and initiative, as well as the students’ critical use of relevant research and theoretical perspectives based on the collection and submission of empirical material.
Both assessments allow students to develop critical and evaluative skills and stress the importance of working to deadlines and goals.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH3077's Timetable