Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Communication Theory and New Media
Module Code	CM556
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Paschal Preston
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

'Get yourself a theory, and make it a good one..' [ Bob Hughes, (2000) 'Dust or Magic: Secrets of Successful Multimedia Design' , pp.147 ]. ...... ...... ..... ...This module aims to develop students' understanding and critical appreciation of the distinctive features of new/digital media and how these relate to 'old' media. The module is attentive to the complex inter-relations between 'new' and the established or 'old' media. It locates digital media as the latest of several waves of technology-enabled communication systems. It examines these issues in the light of the accumulated body of research based in the communication and cultural studies fields.The module provides students with an overview of key ideas, concepts and debates concerning the peculiar features of new media. It explores the linkages (differences, continuities or complementarities) between the new and the established 'mature' media forms and content. It also examines the 'convergence' aspect of digital multi-media, including the implications for new combinations of previously diverse media products and forms.Thus, CM556 introduces competing theories of mediated [or technology-based] communications processes. The agenda includes issues surrounding the changing role and operations of media in social (and cultural) communication processes, the 'power and effects' of new media, models of text authorship/design and audiences' (viewers and readers') interaction with media texts. The aim is to provide a grounded introduction to relevant theories, concepts and ideas drawn from the contemporary fields of media, sociological and cultural studies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify some of the key discourses and contested views surrounding new media and their relation to old/mature media.
2. Describe some of the major perspectives on the distinctive features of new/digital media within the ensemble of technology-enabled communication media and services.
3. Critically engage with the debates between media-centric (technology centred) theories and those advancing more social or culturally-orientated conceptualisations of the features, implications and meanings of 'new media'.
4. Apply and utilise such knowledge and competencies reflexively in order to better inform and ground their own practices and professional strategies in digital media design/authoring fields.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	No Description
Seminars	11	No Description
Independent learning	66	No Description
Assignment	26	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Module Orientation & Selection of Themes/Topics.
This module will overview some key issues and debates concerning the features andimplications of new media over the past decade.We review competing ideas, research and models advanced by a diverse range of authorsacross media, cultural, social, political and policy studies fields, as wellas specific industrial interests.The selection of topics has sought to cover and embrace:.1) Debates between media-centric (or technology-centred) approaches and thoseadvancing social or culturally-orientated views of the specific features, implications and meanings of the 'new media'..2) Competing views of the distinctions and/or linkages between "new" and "old" mediaforms, formats and modes of storytelling. (e.g. how specific technological platforms influence or shape individual, social and culturalcommunication processes, etc)..3) A third factor informing the selection is to highlight ideas and research originating in the media and communication studies fields. ... ... This orientation isdeemed optimal on the grounds that : .a) it is most relevant to a programme focusedon digital media "content applications and design" ; .b) it is one where theDCU School of Communications has particular expertise; and .c) it is based ona well-established tradition of theories and empirical research specificallyfocused on successive waves of 'new media' and 'content' matters .".

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	n/a	100%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List