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IS10010

Academic Year 2024/2025

Introduction to Communication & Media Studies (IS10010)

Subject:
Information Studies
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Information & Comms Studies
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Páraic Kerrigan
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces students to the key concepts, theories, and models in communication and media studies. It explores the historical development and societal impact of various media forms, helping students understand how media shapes our world. By developing critical thinking and analytical skills, students will learn to evaluate media content and communication processes effectively. Students will engage with the history of media, the economic and cultural frameworks of media industries, and the ways media texts create meaning and influence audiences. In doing so, the module will examine key concepts like semiotics, representation, and media power, analysing how various media—from advertisements to films—construct narratives and convey ideologies. The module also examines the business side of media, including ownership, production cultures, and the economic forces shaping content and audience perception. Additionally, it critically explores representation and visibility in media, investigating how different social groups are portrayed and the power dynamics involved. Throughout the course, students will develop analytical skills to assess media texts and their broader social implications.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the key concepts and historical milestones in media and communication.
2. Analyse the structure and dynamics of media industries, including ownership, production cultures, and economic models.
3. Apply semiotic and representational analysis to a variety of media texts, examining how media constructs meaning and conveys ideologies.
4. Critically engage with different genres and narrative forms, understanding their role in shaping audience perceptions.
5. Explore the relationship between media, power, and society, particularly in terms of representation, visibility, and influence.
6. Develop an understanding of media audiences, subcultures, and the impact of advertising and influencer economies on consumer behaviour.

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to Communication Studies: Basic concepts and processes, communication models, and types of communication (interpersonal, group, mass).

Media History and Development: Evolution of media from traditional to digital, key milestones, and technological advancements.

Media Theories: Overview of major theories (e.g., hypodermic needle theory, uses and gratifications, agenda-setting, cultivation theory).

Media Institutions and Industries: Structure and function of media organizations, media ownership, regulation, and policy.

Media Texts and Audiences: Analyzing media texts, audience reception and interpretation, media effects.

Digital Media and Convergence: Impact of digital technologies on media production, distribution, and consumption.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

114
Online Learning

12
Total

150

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures will involve some interaction, bringing a laptop with you would be useful.

Please have assigned readings for that day completed before the start of lecture.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Mid-Term student paper Week 8 Graded No
40
 No
Exam (In-person): Examination of key content covered over the course of the module. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
60
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

All students must buy a copy of the following core textbook:

Media Studies: Texts, Production, Context. 3rd ed. London: Routledge.

Name Role
Mr Conor Keogh Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Xinna Li Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 17:00 - 17:50
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