Course programme
What you'll study Overview The programme consists of: Two compulsory core modules. Pathway 1 - between two and four option modules (worth 60 credits) OR. Pathway 2 - a two-term practice block (worth 30 credits) and either one or two option modules (worth 30 credits). The dissertation or the practice/theory project. Core modules Module title Credits. Digital Media: Critical Perspectives Digital Media: Critical Perspectives 30 credits This is the first core module in the Digital Media: Technology and Cultural Form MA programme and it offers a range of critical perspectives on the concept of 'new' or digital media. By drawing on the history, sociology and anthropology of the media, our aim is to offer a fully contextualised analysis of media technologies such as the Internet, the mobile phone, television, photography and film which actively rejects technologically deterministic perspectives. The module also incorporates critical explorations of contemporary concepts such as the information society, convergence, virtuality and hypertextuality seeking to establish a sense of historical continuity in the development of media technologies and their role in society which nevertheless does not foreclose on the possibility of change. To this end, we will introduce questions about the extent to which digital media signal a transformation in power, politics and subjectivity. These questions will be examined in more detail in the second core module. Finally, the module will examine digital media in their role as technological objects which have uses and meanings beyond those of the image or text and particular to societies at a given point in history. Topics discussed on the module will include: What is 'new media'?. Historicising 'new media'. Information society. Convergence, Regulation and 'New Media'. Virtuality. Narrative and Hypertext. Image as information: digital photography. Image as information (digital film). New Media Languages. The Uses and Meanings of 'Technological Objects'. By the end of the module you should be able to: Critically evaluate contemporary conceptualisations of, and debates on 'new' or digital media by drawing on historical, sociological and/or anthropological perspectives demonstrate skills in contextual analysis which can be applied to a range of media technologies debate and articulate key concepts associated with digital media such as convergence, virtuality and hypertextuality examine digital media in their role as technological objects as well as images and texts, drawing out the implications of this perspective for digital media theory. 30 credits. Technology and Cultural Form: Debates, Models, Dialogues Technology and Cultural Form: Debates, Models, Dialogues 30 credits This is the second core module in the MA in Digital Media: Technology and Cultural Form programme and it offers a series of debates, models and dialogues on the issue of technology and cultural form. The module is divided in two parts and in the first part it develops those questions of power, politics and subjectivity which were introduced in the first core module. In the context of the relation between technology and power we will explore issues of surveillance and control and globalisation. In the context of technology and politics we will investigate diasporas and the re-organisation of news journalism. And in the context of technology and subjectivity we will look at Foucault's notion of technologies of the self and at more recent work on posthumanism. This part of the module highlights the key conceptual concerns of a contextualised approach to digital media plus the relevant debates and models formulated by key figures such as Michel Foucault, Donna Haraway and N. Katherine Hayles. The second part of the module consists of four sessions: nature/culture, systems, networks, spaces of flows. Here we offer a more abstract, creative and dialogic analysis of some of the ideas which have been generated under the banner of 'new media' and through debates on technology, subjectivity, politics and power. Where the ideas addressed in this part of the module are associated with some of the more deterministic thinking and writing of new media, they will be grounded and interrogated here in four sessions structured and organised as a dialogue between two individuals representing different theoretical and/or practical interests. The aim here is to generate a dialogue around some of the most intellectually stimulating, contentious and contemporary ideas in the field without necessarily seeking a resolution or synthesis. Concepts of networks, systems, nature, culture, spaces and flows rightly remain open and contested in contemporary theory and culture, and this part of the module seeks to help you develop your own critical and where appropriate, practical perspective. Topics discussed on this module will include: Technology and power (surveillance and control; globalisation);. Technology and politics (diasporas; technology, organisation and news);. Technology and subjectivity (technologies of the Self; the posthuman; nature/culture; systems; 'alternative' networks ; spaces of flows).. By the end of the module you should be able to: articulate central debates in the relationship between technology and power, technology and politics and technology and subjectivity;. critically examine the theoretical models developed by key figures addressed in the module;. develop your understanding of technology in one of the areas specified in the module;. recognise and represent the contest of meaning over contemporary concepts addressed in the second part of the module.. 30 credits. Optional modules We offer a wide range of option modules each year. Please see our list of modules that are currently available for more information. Assessment Seen take-home paper; essays; dissertation or practice/theory project and other production work for image-making. Programme overview This is an exciting programme which offers a critical, contextual and practical approach to digital media and technology. It problematises approaches to the 'new' media in academic and professional debate, especially those that overemphasise the potential for radical social change led by a homogenised technology itself. The programme is defined by its resistance to technological determinism and its insistence on the importance of addressing the social and historical contexts within which a range of media technologies are employed. In order to provide a contextual framework and facilitate the conceptualisation of digital media and technologies as fully cultural forms and processes, the programme will draw on a range of disciplines including: media and cultural studies, sociology, anthropology and philosophy. However, the programme will remain focused on key contemporary concerns about the potential role of digital media in society and on refiguring the contours of the 'new' media debate. The programme offers two pathways: Pathway 1 addresses central theoretical and conceptual concerns relating to digital media. Pathway 2 combines theoretical analysis and practical work, offering students the opportunity to explore new media theories and concepts in image making. This Pathway is primarily aimed at students who already have some practical experience. It is meant to appeal to media industry professionals who are keen to reflect critically on their practice within a structured learning environment and graduates of practice-based courses. Programme structure The first compulsory core module is Digital Media - critical perspectives and this is taught in a small workshop format in the Autumn term. This module functions as a foundation for the second core module and offers students a map of the key debates in digital media. The module is taught in ten two-hour workshop sessions and is supported by the provision of one-to-one tutorials. The second compulsory core module is Technology and Cultural Form - debates, models, dialogues and this develops questions of technology, power, politics and subjectivity which were introduced in the first core module. The first part of this module highlights the key conceptual concerns of a contextualised approach to digital media plus the relevant debates and models formulated by key figures in the field. The second part aims to generate a dialogue between theoreticians and practitioners around some of the most intellectually stimulating, contentious and contemporary ideas in the field without necessarily seeking a resolution. This module is taught in ten two hour workshop sessions during the Spring term and is supported by the weekly provision of one-to-one tutorials. Students are required to take options from the lists provided by the Media and Communications. Each student's option profile is discussed with the programme convenor in order to ensure that the balance of subject-specific topics is appropriate for the individual concerned. Option modules are taught primarily through lectures, seminars and tutorials and take place in the Autumn or Spring terms. All students are required to produce either a 12,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed by the student and supervisor or a practice/theory image making project. The length of the practical element is dependent on the media and the form used and will be agreed in advance with the supervisor. Students undertaking the practice/theory project will also be expected to submit a 3-4,000 word analysis of their practice which locates it within the theoretical debates explored in the MA as a whole. This essay may be presented as a separate document or as an integral part of the project depending on the nature of the project and by agreement with both theory and practice supervisors. Programme outcomes The programme's subject specific learning outcomes require students to analyse and contextualise developments in digital media and technology with reference to key debates in the history, sociology, anthropology and philosophy of the media. Students who opt for the practice/theory pathway will also be required to produce material of publishable standard and to evaluate the ways in which theoretical and practical insights intersect. All students will develop a wide range of transferable qualities and skills necessary for employment in related or unrelated areas. These are described by the Quality Assurance Agency as: 'the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations, and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development'. By the end of the programme students will be able to: Map and critically evaluate key debates in the field of new media. Analyse and contextualise current and future developments in digital media and technology. Evaluate and articulate key historical, sociological, anthropological and philosophical approaches to the study of digital media and technology. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of at least four differing areas of inquiry. Demonstrate an advanced level of conceptual knowledge and (where relevant) practical skill appropriate for a sustained piece of work in the field. Prepare and deliver clearly argued and informed work. Locate, retrieve and present relevant information for a specific project. Manage a complex array of competing demands and work effectively to a deadline. Work resourcefully and independently. Think critically and/or work practically within a given context. Download the programme specification for the 2018-19 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
