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EN-3055
Graphic Novel
What are graphic novels, and how do they relate to their component terms, ¿graphic¿ and ¿novel¿? How do we read graphic novels? What are their antecedents, and how do contemporary works speak to the development of the form? Through an examination of two key texts, Bryan Talbot¿s Alice in Sunderland and Carol Swain¿s Gast, this module combines a focus on the literary and visual to equip students with the skills to analyse and understand how graphic novels signify, and how they explore and challenge a range of themes and ideas. In addition to an attention to form and the visual, students will apply critical and theoretical approaches to consider themes and concepts such as distinctions between ¿high¿ and ¿low¿ art, storytelling, identity, history and psycho-geography.
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EN-M31
Dissertation
Individual project devised and defined in discussion between supervisor and student.
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MS-100
Introduction to Media Communication
The module will consider approaches to the study of media and communication which focus variously on institutions, technologies, texts, audiences and policy issues. It will also introduce discussion of what power or powers are wielded through use of media in our culture. The module builds to an examination of the effects of new media technologies on 'co-present' and interpersonal communication. The module provides a detailed consideration of media institutions, media 'texts' and media audiences. Here it will focus on issues surrounding the analysis of the power of media institutions; the interpreting or 'reading' of media 'texts'; the study of how media are used and interpreted by audiences/consumers; and attempts by the state and other policy agencies to use, control and censor the media. Finally, basic issues in the implications of the 'new media'/media convergence will be addressed. Please note, students are also expected to attend four film screenings.
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MS-120
Introduction to Media History
This module critically explores the history of modern media from the birth of printing to the internet. It traces the rise of mass-media and analyses the cultural, economic, social and political dimensions of the major broadcast forms and their impact. The module concludes with an exploration of the rise of computing and the internet, the digital transformation of all older media forms and the end of the dominance of the broadcast model of informational production, distribution and consumption.
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MS-310
Dissertation Preparation
This module introduces the practice of dissertation writing and research approaches for the study of media forms. texts and systems and their contribution to social life. It begins to explore the breadth of media studies through attention to the ways in which media matter. In what ways, and how significant are the media in the formation of individual identities and in the practices of everyday life? In the more public world, to what extent are media key to providing knowledge and enabling the debate necessary to the practices of democracy? The course enables students to build on their own experiences of media as consumers and users. But it also encourages critical attention to how the field of media studies has historically been forged: through argument and contestation between different academic approaches and disciplines.
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MS-311
Dissertation
This dissertation enables students to engage in long term, in-depth research on a topic of their choice subject to the approval of the Department.
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MS-345
Science Fiction and Media
Science fiction has become ubiquitous in the twenty-first century. Whether conceived of as a genre, a mode, a language, an outlook or otherwise, science fiction has become instantiated in a range of media, from short stories and novels, film, TV, games, graphic novels, theatre, performative art, activism and more. But what is science fiction? How can we account for fictions and other cultural productions that range widely across themes and form? This module introduces students to a range of science fiction media and the key themes, concepts and debates of science fiction studies. It will take students on a journey through a variety of media that challenge popular conceptions of science fiction and to address issues of power, identity, technology and notions of the human.
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MS-M10
Dissertation or Project
An innovative practice-based alternative to a Masters dissertation. Students are encouraged to develop projects across more than one area of media practice and to do so with dual supervision that embraces both theory and practice. Work produced should be at a professional level, accompanied by a reflective essay and presentation exploring the contextual, theoretical and practical issues raised by the project.
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MS-M11
MA Project and Dissertation Preparation
This core module comprehensively prepares students for their Master¿s project or dissertation, which is an integral part of the requirements for the degree. It
incorporates several key themes and issues across the communications, media practice and PR industries. It is a challenging, and stimulating module ¿ both for professional practitioners and those new to communications and media practice. The module encourages students to unite theory and practice in productive ways. It introduces students to a number of important research and project management methods essential for undertaking a successful project or dissertation.
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MSDM00
The Digital Revolution (VR)
Through close analysis of digital media/new media texts, this module will examine the theoretical and practical issues of new media technologies and the implications for social, political and economic spheres.
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MSDM01
The Digital Revolution
Through close analysis of digital media/new media texts, this module will examine the theoretical and practical issues of new media technologies and the implications for social, political and economic spheres.
