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Interactive Media & Society - TFT00016I

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Nick Jones
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module summary

This humanities module critically explores key issues related to the use of interactive media in a range of social contexts. Through detailed consideration of the histories, myths, and ideologies associated with certain technologies – as well as those associated with technology in general – we will question ideas of technological determinism and digital utopianism, and interrogate the ways interactive media shape culture, politics, visuality, and identity today.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

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.

Module learning outcomes

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.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay (1,500 words)		 N/A 30
Essay/coursework
Essay (3,500 words)		 N/A 70

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay (1,500 words)		 N/A 30
Essay/coursework
Essay (3,500 words)		 N/A 70

Module feedback

Students will receive feedback in line with university guidelines.

Indicative reading

Indicative books:

Wendy Chun and Thomas Keenan (eds), New Media, Old Media: A History and Theory Reader: Interrogating the Digital Revolution. London & New York: Routledge, 2005.

Glen Creeber and Royston Martin (eds), Digital Culture: Understanding New Media. Berkshire: Open University Press, 2008.

Nicholas Gane and David Beer, New Media: The Key Concepts. Oxford & New York: Berg, 2008.

Mary Joyce (ed), Digital Activism Decoded: The New Mechanics of Change. New York: IDEA, 2010.

Lev Manovich, The Language of New Media. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2001.

Astra Taylor, The People's Platform. London: Harper Collins, 2014.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.