2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM2950 Media, Power and Social Justice

20 Credits Class Size: 80

Module manager: Leslie Meier
Email: L.Meier@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is designed to examine critical theories and approaches relevant to the study of media and social justice. Drawing on media and communication studies and other disciplines, it considers the social justice implications of the roles of media in culture and social life. This may involve exploration of scholarly debates regarding media industries and capitalism; consumerism and the ‘good life’; environmental degradation and climate justice; ‘race’/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, and intersections between these and other identities; and activism, solidarity, and social change. 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.

Objectives

This module aims to facilitate understanding of and reflection on the social justice implications of media, drawing on theories from media and communication studies and other disciplines. Through a combination of lectures, required readings, and seminar activities, students will examine critical theories, approaches, and scholarly debates regarding power structures in society that contribute to social inequality and inequity, and the role of media in reproducing or challenging injustices.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Recognise and explain theories relevant to the study of media and social justice
2. Apply and examine critical theories in the analysis of contemporary media examples
3. Critically reflect on the social justice implications of media technologies, texts, industries, and/or cultures
4. Appraise scholarly debates and critiques regarding media and social justice

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

5. Effectively communicate understanding of and reflection on complex ideas, issues, arguments, and critiques.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 10 1.5 15
Seminar 9 1 9
Private study hours 176
Total Contact hours 24
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Participation in weekly seminar discussions and activities provides opportunities for formative feedback, directly supporting student understanding and progress on portfolio tasks. Seminars also provide opportunities for advice and formative feedback on essay ideas.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Essay 70
Coursework Portfolio 30
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 02/05/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team