Module manager: Prof. El Mustapha Lahlali
Email: e.m.lahlali@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
ARAB2091
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to international media, its coverage, strategies, discourse and representation of global issues. The module will introduce students to key approaches and frameworks on representational strategies in media, introducing and examining notions such as framing, positioning, bias, manipulation and ‘othering’. Students will also be introduced to media discourse and how it shapes and is shaped by media institutional power, policies and beliefs. Using case studies of media from Middle East and other contexts, this module looks at how media portrays global issues (i.e. conflicts, politics, environment, pandemics, revolutions … etc), as well as individuals, groups, communities and societies with different characteristics. The module shall include a wide range of international contexts, including the Middle East and North Africa. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module aims to achieve the following:
- Provide an insight into cases of international media, its coverage, strategies, discourse and representation of global issues, including conflicts, environment, pandemics, politics, revolts and social disorder.
- Provide a detailed understanding of key media discourse approaches and frameworks relevant to the analysis of media.
- Provide unique insight into understanding media coverage and its representation of different national and international voices, actors and stakeholders.
- Provide a broad understanding of the dialectical relationship between media, discourse, political and socio-cultural practices of international media.
- Provide insight into media’s role in framing, mobilising, manipulating and impacting the public sphere.
- Introduce students to media analysis through a selection of a wide range of media texts (in English) covered by international media.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Analyse the theoretical perspectives on the role of media in representing different events, voices, actors and stakeholders in peace and conflict time.
2. Critically discuss the discourse of international media in covering and representing global issues such as conflicts, politics, revolutions and environmental issues, highlighting key bias and ideologies.
3. Critically apply key media discourse theories and approaches to analyse and interpret media texts and discourses, underscoring the relationship between language and media production.
4. Interpret different media practices and coverages in relation to institutional policies, sponsorship, attitudes and values.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Identify, synthesise, and critically evaluate ideas and information from different specialised source.
2. Develop a well-structured argument that is based on evidence and informed by relevant scholarly debates.
3. Communicate clearly and effectively ideas and information.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 21 | 1 | 21 |
| Private study hours | 179 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students' progress will be monitored through the following:
- Written assignment;
- Student handout;
- Detailed feedback on the literature review will be provided.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Literature review | 30 |
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 24/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team