Module manager: Dr Gary Morris
Email: G.K.Morris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
GPA of 2.5 (US) or equivalent and enrolled at a university.
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The aim of this module is for students to understand the role and impact that the media has in its portrayal of mental health content. This includes a review of a diverse range of media types and products including both fictional and factual representations. Media products are selected from varied media types including film, television, news, internet, literature, music and video games amongst others. These are then considered in relation to their depiction regarding mental health messages. It includes at one end of the spectrum the more sensationalised, discriminatory, destructive and misleading types of content found for example in the tabloid news, TV drama, soaps, horror films or video games. At the other end of the spectrum are products which educate, promote health and provide individuals with a mode for self-expression such as the broadsheet news, biopic films, literature, songs and internet blogs. This module offers students media depictions which sit along all points of the spectrum from positive to negative, with indeed many products reflecting both dramatic and educative components. The historical dynamic will be considered, acknowledging changing media depictions along with shifts in societal attitudes and thinking regarding mental health. The model is structured around Berlo’s Communication Model and the components of Sender (person or group constructing a media product); Message (depicted content); and Receiver (person or group accessing media content). The module will be delivered through a series of interactive workshops encouraging individual reflection and group discussion. The need for this module is acknowledged by the plethora of mental health content we are exposed to on a daily basis and the importance of developing a questioning and reflective approach to what we are accessing. Please note: this module explores content related to mental health with some issues covered that are sensitive and could be potentially traumatising or triggering for some students. Examples of such topics are ways in which the media depict suicidal ideation or eating disorders re internet based pro ana sites. Whilst such themes are contemplated from a critical perspective actual examples are not shared. If you are unsure whether this module is suitable for you, please contact the module leader for more details before choosing this module.
This module introduces students to the media as a dynamic and highly influential communicative entity and its multitude of products carrying messages around mental health. The focus is upon message types which fit across the whole spectrum, outlining why they might be regarded as either positive or negative, depending upon the particular perspective and orientation of the person or group engaging with them. Students will be encouraged to review media products and to consider influences upon their construction as well as the concept of the interpretative recipient.
The aims and objectives for this module cover a number of aspects relating to the review of a diverse array of products taken from both fictional and factual content types. Students are encouraged to reflect upon different channels of communication including aspects such as imagery, characterisation, sound, music, dialogue and textual narratives.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Review the portrayal of mental health issues through varied media source types
2. Identify how society fuels the media’s portrayal of mental health issues
3. Describe the extent to which stigma and labelling remain headlined through media portrayals
4. Explain how mental health issues can be positively promoted through a range of media sources.
5. Recognise how personal views can be influenced by media messages that focus upon mental health issues
On successful completion of the module students have provided evidence on skills learning outcomes relating to:
1. Work Ready Skills: Enhanced problem-solving and critical skills from evaluating fundamentally differing depictions and perspectives concerning mental health experience
2. Academic Skills: Developed critical thinking by considering different approaches to the processing and ‘reading’ of media content.
3. Digital Skills: Demonstrated literacy in accessing and handling information
4. Enterprise Skills: Demonstrated working and communicating with each other.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Seminar | 8 | 3 | 24 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 43 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay 1,500 words | |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
Students are also required to maintain an individual blog (formative), noting media products carrying mental health content that they are accessing during the 2 weeks of this module.
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 1/24/2025
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