Module Identifier HY37730  
Module Title MEDIA AND SOCIETY IN 20TH CENTURY BRITAIN  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Sian H Nicholas  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   18 x 1 hour lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   10 x 1 hour seminars  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours  60%
Semester Assessment 2 x 2,500 word essays  40%
Supplementary Assessment 3 hr examination plus any missing written work   

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
a) Demonstrate familiarity with a substantial body of historical knowledge in the field of modern British political, social and cultural development.
b) Engage in source criticism, discussion and understanding of press, film and broadcast sources as historical evidence.
c) Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of historical techniques relevant to the study of media history.
d) Gather and sift appropriate items of historical evidence
e) Read, analyse and reflect critically on secondary and primary texts, in particular key items of contemporary press coverage, popular newsreel and feature films, and broadcasting.
f) Explore the relationships between history and other disciplines, particularly media studies.
g) Develop the ability to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of particular historical arguments and where necessary challenge them.
h) Develop oral (not assessed) and written skills which will have been improved through seminar discussions and essays
i) Work both independently and collaboratively, and to participate in group discussions (not assessed).

Brief description

Introduction to history of mass media (press, cinema, broadcasting) in twentieth century Britain through a chronological and thematic exploration of the media themselves (structure, technology, character); the relationship between media and audience; role of media as both mirror of and influence on twentieth century British social and cultural development; function of media in projecting national identity; relationship between state, media and electorate throughout the century.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Andrew Crisell An Introduction History of British Broadcasting
James Curran and Jean Seaton Power Without Responsibility : the press and broadcasting in Britain

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6