Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 154

HUMANITIES

Media, Communications
and Culture
Overview

On this course you will study the ways in which
Media, Communications and Culture have become
central to every aspect of our lives. You will study a
range of cultural forms such as films, novels, plays,
art, photography, advertisements, magazines, digital
media and news production. You will investigate
the way in which historical and cultural movements
developed and continue to influence media
production in the present. You will also get the
opportunity to produce cultural artefacts of your
own through our series of practical modules that
range from the art of photography and news
production through to producing video and
magazines online. We can provide opportunities
to enter work placements through our links to the
creative and media industries and a dedicated work
experience module.
Media, Communications and Culture has its own
designated building which houses staff, lab space,
studios, kit, recreational space and a substantial
new screening room.

Course content

You will study a number of core modules (either
four or eight depending on whether you take single
or dual honours) and a further two to four elective
modules in the area of media or cultural studies.
As you work through the programme you will begin
to discover the particular areas that you want to
pursue. Some students prefer to concentrate on the
critical, theoretical study of Media, Communications
and Culture, while others prefer the practical
approach. Either way, you will develop skills that will
be useful in a wide range of careers. We value the
relationship between theory and practice and try to
encourage you to see the relationship between them
whichever ‘pathway’ you choose.
You will have the opportunity to study abroad during
the second year in Europe, North America, Australia
or South Africa. We also have a South Korean
summer school, at Dongguk University, which offers
an opportunity to make a video in this fascinating
environment, on the basis of a month’s stay, study
abroad but without committing an entire semester.
During the third year you can complete a work
experience module in an area of your interest whilst
being supported by experienced staff.

First year
At this level, core modules introduce core concepts
and skills and provide basic background knowledge
in the subject:
Mediated World examines how our contemporary
mediated world has developed and offers
perspectives on its problems and possibilities. It also
shows how the media impact on everyday life.
Digital Video provides hands-on experience of both
pre-production, digital video and post-production
techniques. It also aims to introduce a range of
debates relating to the role of technologies and
in particular how identities are produced and
maintained by the media.
Understanding Culture introduces ways of thinking
about culture, for example, how is meaning created
and shared? How F