Module manager: Leslie Meier
Email: L.Meier@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
COMM5225M
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module examines the roles assumed by promotional media (advertising, branding, marketing, and public relations) in culture and society. It situates the study of promotional media within the field of media and communication studies, drawing on critical and theoretical approaches spanning from foundational critiques of consumer society to contemporary research on promotional culture.
The purpose of this module is to:
· Examine key critical and theoretical approaches to studying promotional media (advertising, branding, marketing, and public relations);
· Facilitate understanding of and critical reflection on the historical, political, and economic contexts that have shaped the rise of promotional media and associated industries and institutions;
· Investigate the social and cultural roles assumed by contemporary promotional media and practices;
· Interpret and critically analyse promotional texts, materials, and strategies;
· Reflect on the influence of promotion on social, cultural, and economic life.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Explain critical perspectives on promotional media and communication which consider the power of these industries, vis à vis historical, political and economic frameworks;
2. Interrogate social and cultural aspects of promotional media and communication;
3. Interpret and apply key concepts and theories in critical analysis of promotional campaigns;
4. Appraise the impact of promotional media and communication within and beyond the economic realm, considering its influence on politics, citizenship, activism, and everyday life
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Apply effective written communication skills to present a sustained argument on an aspect of promotional media culture supported by relevant evidence from scholarship in the field
2. Collaborate effectively as part of a team in planning, researching and executing a group promotional campaign analysis
3. Demonstrate reflection on critical issues and ethical considerations in promotional industries and practices
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Seminar | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 271 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 29 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Student progress will receive ongoing formative feedback via seminar activities.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2,400 – 3,000 words | 75 |
| Group Project | 4,000 – 4,500 group campaign analysis | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits: For the essay, students will revise their first submission, addressing the marker feedback provided. If students did not submit a first attempt, they will follow the assessment instructions provided in the module handbook. For the group project, students will instead prepare a shorter individual campaign analysis (1500-1750 words). Assessment instructions provided in the module handbook and on Minerva.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/05/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team