RGU: RGU Module: Media History (BS3350)

Module Title
Media History

Keywords
History; print; broadcasting; film; social and technical developments

Reference

BS3350

SCQF Level

SCQF 9

SCQF Points

ECTS Points

7.5

Created

April 2006

Approved

August 2010

Amended

August 2012

Revision No.

Prerequisites for Module

None in addition to SCQF9 entry requirements or equivalent

Corequisite Modules

None.

Precluded Modules

None.

Aims of Module

To introduce students to the historical development of media, including books, newspapers, magazines, radio and TV broadcasting and cinema. Students will be able to trace the emergence of modern media institutions from their historical roots and discuss the impact of social and technological change.

Learning Outcomes for Module

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

1.	Trace the emergence of modern media institutions from their historic roots.
2.	Appraise and discuss the role of social, political, economic and technological factors in shaping forms of the media.
3.	Evaluate the application of mass communication theories to the major developments in mass communication.
4.	Develop and sustain historical arguments.

Indicative Module Content

Invention of the printing press; readers, authors and publishers, 1700-1900; newspapers and social change; magazines and the growth of the reading public; 20th century and 100% literacy; historical development of radio and television broadcasting; the 'golden age'; early days of film; the studio system; film versus TV; impact of new media and growth of media corporations.

Indicative Student Workload

Contact Hours	Full Time
Lectures	12
Tutorials/Seminars	24
Assessment	15
Directed Study
Directed Study	30
Private Study
Private Study	69

Mode of Delivery

This module consists of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and guided self-study.

Assessment Plan

	Learning Outcomes Assessed
Component 1	1,2,3,4

100% closed-book examination (3 hours)

Indicative Bibliography

1.	BRIGGS, A. and BURKE, P. 2005. A social history of the media: from Gutenberg to the Internet. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Polity Press.
2.	CURRAN, J. and SEATON, J. 2010. Power without responsibility: the press and broadcasting in Britain. London: Routledge.
3.	FINKELSTEIN, D. and MCCLEERY, A. 2006. The book history reader. 2nd ed. Abingdon: Routledge.
4.	HILL, J. and GIBSON, P., eds., 1998. The Oxford guide to film studies. New York: Oxford University Press.
5.	WILLIAMS, K., 2010. Get me a murder a day: a history of mass communication in Britain. 2nd ed. London: Bloomsbury Academic.