UKZN Media Studies Undergraduate Course Modules

UKZN Media Studies Undergraduate Course Modules

What We Offer – Undergraduate

• MECS 101 – Writing & the Media

  This course is the first of two introductory modules which introduce students to various aspects of Media Studies.  Writing and the Media focuses strongly on issues of communication, writing and the print media. In lectures, students are introduced to a basic model of interpersonal and mass communication, and the print media as forms of mass communication, social change, mediation and gatekeeping.  There is also a focus on developing students’ abilities to analyse and write about the media.  Within tutorials students have the opportunity to process ideas and knowledge encountered in the lectures in more interactive ways, and to develop their thinking, speaking and writing competencies in relation to analysing aspects of the print media.

   

  Offered in:               Semester 1

• MECS 102 – Introduction to Media Studies

  This course is the second of two introductory modules which introduce students to various aspects of Media Studies.  Introduction to Media Studies focuses strongly on issues of representation and mediation, with specific reference to the visual texts. In lectures, students are introduced the still image and the development of photography as a mode of representation, the concept of semiotics and the way in which visual texts such as adverts use representation, stereotyping, myth and ideology to create meaning, and film as a visual medium with its own set of codes and conventions for analysis.

   

  Offered in:               Semester 2

• MECS 202 – Introduction to Cultural Studies

  MECS 202 is a second-level module that introduces you to the basic theories underpinning media practice and analysis, foregrounding the social role of the media and their relationship to popular culture. In this module students will study key areas: cultural and critical theory; media texts, institutions and audiences; representation, discourse, ideology; postmodernism and new media. The goal of the module is to provide media students with a basic conceptual framework for understanding, analyzing and discussing the place of media in society, the concentration of media texts and their impact on identity formation.

   

  Offered in:               Semester 1

• MECS 212 – Public Relations

  The module is designed to provide students with knowledge of the development of public relations; the fundamentals of corporate communication and public relations; corporate image and reputation; the practice of public relations and planning a PR programme; public relations and integrated marketing communication; specialised PR: internal PR, media relations,  CSI & Sponsorship; and inter-cultural communication and PR.

   

  Offered in:               Semester 2

• MECS 311 – Writing for the Media

  The purpose of this course is to develop a critical understanding of the relationship between the journalist/media practitioner, the public and the text. It has a strong practical component and excellent writing skills are an advantage.

   

  Offered in:               Semester 2

  Co-ordinator:           Dr Nicola Jones

• MECS 312 – Corporate Communication

  The content topics cover the fundamentals of corporate communication and a number of specialised areas of corporate communication.

   

  Offered in:               Semester 1

• MECS 321 – New Media Studies

  The course will cover the theorectical tools through which to make sense of the changing media environment, in areas such as the Internet and digital telecommunications and broadcasting. Empirical case studies from home and abroad will be used to illustrate the theoretical propositions.

   

  Offered in:               Semester 1

• MECS 322 – Television Studies

  The purpose of this course is to develop a critical understanding of the relationship between the many facets of television and audience practices and, in this context, to consider the extent to which television impacts on and shapes the construction of cultural identity.

   

  Offered in:               Semester 2

• Cognate Modules

  There are also a number of courses that students can take from the Digital Arts programme, among others, to make up the remaining credits for their degrees.

  For those interested in film, we strongly recommend DIGA 201 and DIGA 301 (co-ordinated by Dr Subeshini Moodley).