Module manager: Dr Holly Steel
Email: h.steel1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module aims to give students an academic understanding of the role of technology in media and communications. It illuminates critical and social issues generated by and through technology, discussing and analysing the relationship between technological developments and the societies in which those developments take place. 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 give students a critical understanding of the role of technology in media and communications. We are frequently reminded that in the 21st century, we carry around with us each day a collection of technologies that a generation ago would have been unachievable, unaffordable and in some cases unimaginable. While such simple statements cannot reasonably be disputed, in discussions of the role of communications in everyday life, the role of technology is often described only in this straightforward manner. Study on this module aims to nuance and complicate this understanding, providing a critical knowledge of the social place of technology in contemporary media and communications.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically analyse the role of technology within media and communication;
2. Explain the social issues related to technologies in selected media;
3. Analyse technical features of media using appropriate terminology;
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Synthesise different academic and industry sources to develop arguments
5. Communicate ideas accurately and effectively, to different audiences
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 179 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Attendance will be monitored in accordance with School policy and progress will be monitored in weekly seminar classes. In seminars and office hours, students are able to monitor their progress and understanding of key themes and ideas within the module, and receive formative feedback from the module leader and/or seminar leader. Summative written feedback on the mid semester assignment can also be fed-forward into the end of semester assignment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Coursework | Essay | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits should be repeat of original assignment
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 12/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team