Assignment part1, Part2

Choose one of these topics:

  1. The representation of one social group within media
  2. Media representation of crime
  3. Media representation of health
  4. The blurring of the public and private realms in new Media
  5. Digital media, social activism and democracy

Task Requirements:

  • For video or sound products (vlog cast or podcast), you should provide a link to your media product at the beginning of your portfolio
  • For written products (blog); include this whole in your portfolio
  • Your portfolio must be presented clearly using sub-sections for each part

Commentary in which you discuss the role and impact of media in 21st century. (1000 WORDS):

Your commentary must include the following:

  1. ‘Power’ in and around media – LO2: Discuss and debate the issues of power in and around media. Suggestions about what may be included: Think about media ownership and the implications in society (why does media ownership matter?;  think about Rupert Murdoch’s media empire and the implication of media power he commands, think about how media industries are overwhelmingly dominated by a few powerful companies and its implication; think about Noam Chomsky – Manufacturing consent and many other theorists; you may also consider  the perspective of Giddens & Sutton and other theorists of your choice.
  2. Contemporary social issues with digital and social media

You can demonstrate your understanding of LO1 by discussing the key debates and theories around the character, content, role and impact of media in contemporary societies. Suggestions about what may be included:

– some theories explaining contemporary media, think about Karl Max and his followers; think about Gidden and Sutton, Braston and Stafford, Hodkinson and many others; Also, think about the Frankfurt School; Functionalism and media pluralism and many others. Also, think about the positive and negative consequences of digital and social media in the contemporary society.

 

  1. A reflection on your own media use based on your media diary (LO3) over the semester in relation to the themes discussed on this course (you may use the first person where appropriate). Suggestion about how you might approach this question: