Module Narrative

Module Title: Global Media and Entertainment
Module Code: MED602
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 explores the ways in which media texts circulate within a global culture of commerce. Students will be able to identify the strategies the global entertainment conglomerates use in their attempt to dominate media production, distribution and exhibition. The module will examine recent arguments about media convergence and the globalisation of entertainment and how this mitigates against the spread of the Christian gospel.

Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the reasons behind the emergence of global entertainment conglomerates and their role in shaping global media industries
2. Critically review and evaluate the ways in which media conglomerates changed formerly clearly defined individual industries (film industry, television industry, music industry, gospel music industry etc.)
3. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the ways in which economic and industrial factors shape media production
4. Discuss key concepts used in academic studies of global media, entertainment and religion discourse and communicate those concepts using appropriate terminology and communicate in an academic format
Syllabus
The global nature of media; cultural influences on media production and distribution, Impact of digital technologies and convergence on media firms, online media at the core of the global media network, global media landscape and structures, internationalization and localisation of media messages, products and services, current forces impacting on media business and spread of the Christian gospel, media outfits in Christian gospel structure, exploring information society, future of digital media services and its implication to Church growth.
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
• Student-led discussion groups (formative assessment)

• Individual or group presentations and a 1500 word report and analysis (summative assessment)
• Essay 2500 words (summative assessment)
Assessment Weighting
Presentation and report 50%
Essay 50%

Learning Materials

Core
Boczkowski, P. J. (2004) Digitizing the Gospel. London: MIT.
Essential
Collins, R. (2002) Media and Identity in Contemporary Europe: Consequences of Global Convergence. Bristol: Intellect.
Hendricks, A. (2010) The Twenty-First-Century Media Industry: Economic and Managerial Implications in the Age of New Media. London: Lexington Books.

Recommended
Baltruschat, D. (2010) Global Media Ecologies: Networked Production in Film and Television. New York: Routledge.
Cappo, J. (2003) The Future of Advertising: New Media, New Clients, New Consumers in the Post-Television Age. Chicago: McGraw-Hill.
Kim, S. and Berry, C. (2010) Electronic Elsewheres: Media, Technology, and the Experience of social space. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
Klimkiewicz, B. (2010) Media Freedom and Pluralism: Media Policy Challenges in the Enlarged Europe. New York: Central European University Press.
Vogel, H.L. (2007) Entertainment industry Economics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Wiley, J. (2009) Managing Media Entertainment: Harnessing Creative Value. Indianapolis: Jeffery Riley.

Online Application
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