This module advances on last year’s Digital Culture, Aesthetics and Storytelling (DCAS) module by expanding our understanding of the narratives surrounding digital media into a wider discussion of the political and cultural roles that digital media play in society. Each week will be oriented around key case studies that closely examine various digital activities, including hacking, surveillance, and online identities, among others. We will unpack the discourses articulated by these activities, the ideologies that underpin them, and above all how they shape the ways in which we see, think, and act in the contemporary world.
Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
---|---|
A | Autumn Term 2018-19 |
To discuss the socio-cultural impact of film, television, gaming and web-based technologies.
To enable comprehension of the social uses of digital technologies according to gender, race, age, sexuality and social class.
To provide case studies of particular film, television, gaming and web traditions and forms at specific periods and in different social contexts.
Subject content
Demonstrate an ability to use critical thinking to reason about the socio-cultural impact of interactive media.
Gain an understanding of the development of media technology, social theory and cultural studies in the 20th and 21st century.
Become familiar with key issues and ideas in media studies and new media theory
Academic and graduate skills
Demonstrate skills in managing a range of information sources to analyse a relevant domain in interactive media and synthesise a view on its impact in society.
Develop critical skills in analysing digital tools and environments and understanding their roles throughout contemporary society.
Develop research skills, including skills in writing, reading and referencing.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Coursework (1,500 words) |
N/A | 30 |
Essay/coursework Coursework (3,500 words) |
N/A | 70 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Coursework (1,500 words) |
N/A | 30 |
Essay/coursework Coursework (3,500 words) |
N/A | 70 |
Students will receive feedback in line with university guidelines.
Indicative books:
A Creator's Guide to Transmedia Storytelling: How to Captivate and Engage Audiences Across Multiple Platforms, Philips, McGraw-Hill, 2012.
Digital Culture: Understanding New Media, Glen Creeber and Royston Martin, Open University Press, 2008.
Intermediality and Storytelling, Marina Grishakova and Marie-Laure Ryan, de Gruyter, 2010.
The Language of New Media, Lev Manovich, MIT Press, 2001.
New Media: The Key Concepts, Nicholas Gane and David Beer, Berg, 2008.
New Media, Old Media: A History and Theory Reader: Interrogating the Digital Revolution, Wendy Hui Kyong Chun, Thomas Keenan, Routledge, 2005.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to courses
The 2020/21 academic year will start in September. We aim to deliver as much face-to-face teaching as we can, supported by high quality online alternatives where we must.
Find details of the measures we're planning to protect our community.