5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ

Critical Perspectives on Development, Media and Social Change (014P3)

30 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

This module explores the intersections of development, media and social change.

It begins with an overview of contemporary development challenges, as set against a backdrop of changing trends and understandings of development.

It will go on to explore the ways in which media has been used as a tool to bring about social, political and economic change. It examines different approaches to and understandings of change – from a conception of development as planned intervention carried out by states and development agencies through policies, projects and programmes, to development as organised efforts by groups who have been marginalised from the development process through protest, resistance and mobilisation.

The module will draw on examples from practice to examine and critically assess the contributions that various media can make to development and social change. Weekly topics include, among others:

• development journalism
• digital activism
• post-humanitarianism
• user-generated content.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 36 hours of contact time and about 264 hours of independent study. The 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.