CMP402 - Theoretical Perspectives

Aims

This module establishes conceptual and academic frameworks for the programme. Academic activity is designed to introduce students to two specific areas:

• research methods and
• theoretical and analytical perspectives relevant to the creative media sector.

As in CMP401, and complementary to that module, students are introduced to the attitudes of reflection and critical self awareness that are central to postgraduate study with an ethos of work-based learning or professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students will:

• have a critical understanding of fundamental theories relevant to media and multimedia;
• be aware of current issues in creative media and have an analytical and reasoned stance with respect to them;
• be familiar with a range of research methods appropriate in the creative media field;
• be able to locate and investigate information sources critically.

Syllabus

• Research methods relevant to creative media practice; topics may include: library and web searches, textual analysis, semiotic analysis, rhetorical analysis, ideological criticism, psychoanalytic criticism, qualitative research methods, interviews, historical analysis, ethnomethodological research, participant observation, soft systems methodology, quantitative research methods, content analysis, surveys, experiments, descriptive statistics, combinations of qualitative and quantitative methods, case studies, action research, ethical issues.
• Current issues in creative media; theories of media and multimedia; topics may include: "Digital McLuhan", concepts of Cyberspace, theories of Multimedia, postmodernist theory, cultural and political dimensions, globalisation, mass communication and personal freedom, issues in "infotainment", cyberaesthetics.