FS40360 Paranoid and Conspiracy Media

Academic Year 2022/2023

Mass media has throughout its history produced paranoid texts and attracted and circulated conspiracy theories. Focusing on the US context, especially after WWII, this module examines the role of paranoia and conspiracy across a variety of forms of media, from cinema to television to digital media platforms, exploring paranoid media texts, paranoid spectatorship and reading practices, conspiracy cultures and the circulation of conspiracy theories via media. The module explores the history and theory of paranoid and conspiracy media, situated at the intersection of power, knowledge, and the media: how we understand power (both in general, and more specifically that of the media industries), how media texts circulate, and how we interpret them. We will examine key moments in American conspiracy culture and key examples of paranoid media forms alongside reading a range of film, media, and critical theory that has explored questions of conspiracy, paranoia, and interpretation.

Please note that this module will necessarily address some controversial and offensive material.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

• an understanding of the history of the relationship between media and conspiracy
• ability to critically analyse and engage with a range of paranoid media texts
• knowledge of and an ability to assess and engage with key theoretical ideas relevant to paranoid and conspiracy media
• develop advanced research and writing skills through the production of an extended research essay

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

20
Specified Learning Activities

100
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Seminar discussion, group work, student presentations 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: class presentation and contribution Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10
Continuous Assessment: proposal for the final essay Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10
Essay: 5000-word research essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

80

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.