Aims: To develop an understanding of the principles of mass communication and an awareness of the common features of European mass media in a democracy; todevelop critical awareness of the potential of new technologies as well as the threat posed by increasing commercialisation.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit, students will be able to analyse journalistic and televised texts and situate these within wider discussions on the role of the mass media in contemporary Germany.
Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, effective communication in the target language, teamwork and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are developed and assessed in this unit.
Content:
Theories of the function of the mass media in a democracy; historical developments in the German media (FRG/GDR); problems of increasing commercialisation and cross-ownership patterns of media in Germany; the impact of German unification on the media; potential of new media particularly the internet; analysis of news reporting in newspapers and television. Key text: Peter J. Humphreys Media and Media Policy in Germany: the Press and Broadcasting since 1945 (Berg: 1990). The unit is taught in German.
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