Module Identifier | MC10020 | ||
Module Title | MEDIATED COMMUNICATION | ||
Academic Year | 2002/2003 | ||
Co-ordinator | Dr Daniel G J Chandler | ||
Semester | Semester 1 | ||
Course delivery | Other | 20 Hours Workshops | |
Assessment | Semester Assessment | Assignment 1 2000-word assignment | 50% |
Semester Assessment | Assignment 2 2000-word assignment | 50% |
understand the limitations of transmission models of communication;
show an awareness of key factors in human communication;
identify key features of different media of interpersonal communication;
demonstrate the limitations of technological determinism.
The second main theme of this module concerns broad theories about the influence of communications tools and media (such as writing, print, television and computers) on their users. The widespread stance of 'technological determinism' sees changes in communications technologies and media as having profound consequences for the individual and for society. This viewpoint is deconstructed and illustrated with a critique of the ideas of Marshall McLuhan, who coined the well-known aphorism, 'the medium is the message'. This theme raises the question: to what extent are we shaped by our use of what we typically think of a 'neutral' tools and media? Historical case-studies of communications media serve to emphasize the importance of the social context of media use.