Module Narrative

Module Title: Media and Mission
Module Code: MED600
Level: 6
Credit Points: 20 Credits
Compulsory or Optional: Optional (Media pathway)
Pre-requisites/co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations or modules: None
Mode of attendance: Mixed

Rationale:
This module’s aims are predicated on the premise that the twin forces of globalization of communication and of migration are effecting the way that the Church fulfils the missio dei. It is designed to enable students to explore in depth the impact of these forces upon how the Christian Church communicates its message, and learns new skills in its mission endeavours in the 21st century. It incorporates study of missiological theory, hermeneutical principals as well as principles of social and communication theory.

Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. discuss the impact of mass media upon the mission and ministry of the church in a diverse global village.
2. Identify and critically examine the challenge of secularisation upon communication of the Christian message
3. identify and critically evaluate the ways in which the Church uses mass communication in its mission and ministry
4. discuss the effects of social media, its imagery , symbols , language, styles on the world-views and ways in which Christian faith is communicated among the under 30’s

Skills
This module will call for the successful student to further demonstrate:
5. a critical and reflective engagement with available literature
6. a grasp of the role and function of Christian mass media organisations in UK and elsewhere.

Syllabus
Various media structures and their impact positively and negatively upon the mission of the Church; problems and challenges of media application in urban mission; trends in the appropriation of media to mission, and the involvement of different kinds of media in complex and changing urban contexts.
Included in the module will be placements in Christian TV and Radio organizations, from which students will produce reports for submission to complete the module.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
This course will be taught through the art of facilitation aimed at drawing out insights from students in response to stimulating readings, lectures and videos.

Class time will be used for a combination of lectures, discussions of qualitative research articles and practical exercises. In additional to attending classes, students should be prepared to spend about another six hours per week on activities related to this course. These activities include reading the required and recommended articles of relevance to this course and preparing for assignments and preparation of an approved research proposal.

Tutorial time enables Tutors to give formative feedback on draft essays, guidance to students on developing their presentations and constructive feedback on summative work. Independent study to supplement these activities is an essential element of the programme, including reading and producing the module assignments.

Assessment Scheme
• Presentations (formative assessment)
• Essay plan (formative assessment)

• Presentation and Report 1500 words (summative assessment)
• Essay 2500 words (summative assessment) i
Assessment Weighting
Placement report 50%
Essay 50%

Learning Materials

Core text
Garner, R. (2004) Facing the City: Urban Mission in the 21st Century. London: SCM.

Essential
Conn, H. (2002) The Urban Face of Mission. Phillipsburg: P & R Publishing.
Chester, T. (2012) Unreached: Growing Churches in Working Class and Deprived Areas. Leicester: IVP.
Couldry, N., (2012) Media, Society, World: Social Theory and Digital Media. UK: Politybooks.

Recommended
Ballard, P.H. (2008) The Church at the Centre of the City. London: Epworth Press.
Davey, A. (2010) Crossover City: Resources for Urban Mission and Transformation. London: Continuum.
Green, L. (2003) Urban Ministry and the Kingdom of God. London: SPCK.
Croft, S. (2008) Mission Shaped Questions: Defining Issues for Today’s Church. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Gibbs, E. & Bolger, R. (2006) Emerging Churches. London: SPCK.
Goodhew, D. (2012) Church Growth in Britain. Surrey: Ashgate Publishing.
Jamieson, A. (2004) Mission Shaped Church: Church Planting and Fresh Expressions of Church in a Changing Context. Oxford: Blackwell.
Warren, R. (2005) Building Missionary Congregations. Oxford: Blackwell.
Winter, R.D., Hawthorne S.C. (eds) (1992) Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. California, USA: Wm Carey Library

Online Application
Download Application – PDF
Download Application – DOCX