Module manager: Helen Kim
Email: h.kim2@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| COMM5866M | Global migration, ‘race’ and media |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module engages with the theoretical, historical and contemporary perspectives on migration, race, racism and the media. The module will introduce students to global as well as more local frameworks of understanding concepts such as ‘race’ and ethnicity, and will offer an in-depth look into histories of colonialism and race-thinking. The class will encourage students to analyse these perspectives in and through media, communication and culture across a range of forms, such as social media, video (film and television), music, and news. 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.
Through learning activities such as lecture and in-class critical analysis of media examples, as well as personal reflection on lived experiences of migration and diaspora, the module is designed to achieve the following learning objectives:
To critically analyse public and academic debates surrounding migration, racism and difference and especially in terms of media, communication and culture. The module’s syllabus draws upon a wide range of academic fields and disciplines, such as sociology, anthropology, critical human geography, and political science.
To critically analyse forms of popular culture that pertain to issues relating to migration, ‘race’, racism and the media
To develop an understanding of the role of different media (mobile, print) and how it plays a central role in the lived migrant experience (as distinct from non-migrant experiences).
To develop a critical understanding of key/defining concepts that have been used to frame/shape our understanding of how societies and people experience migration
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. key concepts and theories related to migration, ‘race’,and difference and their intersections.
2. Synthesise and interpret different theories, definitions, and experiences of race and racialisation, and their intersections of gender, class, sexuality and disability
3. Analyse critically and articulate the respective insights and limitations of different conceptual frameworks with clarity, accuracy and coherence.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. Effectively communicate ideas to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex theories, concepts, and arguments.
5. Identify, use, and evaluate appropriate and relevant information sources to support arguments and draw informed conclusions
6. Reflect on different lived experiences, including their own, of race, racialisation, migration and their intersections.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The students will receive formative feedback based on the outlines they provide. In addition, in seminars we go over specific tasks that are designed to help students brainstorm and identify relevant and appropriate sources, that will provide additional opportunities for formative feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Assignment | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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