2011-2012 YEAR THREE - Cardiff University

MC3593 Media, Racism and Conflict (capped at 50) Autumn
TUTOR: Dr Kerry Moore 20 Credits
Aims of the Module
Following 9.11 and the 7.7 London tube bombings, stories about terrorism
were rarely absent from media headlines. Religious and cultural difference in
Britain became a politically hot topic, and multiculturalism was subjected to
vigorous critique for supposedly fuelling social division and conflict.
Meanwhile, concerns about national and border security have featured
within in a hostile public debate about immigration, asylum and refugee
issues, and alarming stories about the rise of gun and knife crime have
pervaded the news in recent years, presenting images of violent urban youth
cultures and dangerous city streets.
Media, Racism and Conflict will explore a range of contemporary issues,
focusing upon how these have been constructed as conflicts in the media and
the extent to which racism has played a role within these conflicts. The
module will critically examine print and broadcast news media, but also
current affairs and documentary programming, film and television drama in
order to explore a series of questions about racialised conflict in the media,
including how boundaries are drawn between ‗legitimate‘ and ‗illegitimate‘
cultural identities, the role of policing and counter terrorism and the media‘s
role in public debates about cultural diversity, national identity and public
security.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of the main academic debates
surrounding questions of representation, conflict and racism in the
media
Ability to analyse and critique public debates and media
representations in this area
Develop methodological skills and the ability to design and undertake
small-scale empirical research
Methods of Teaching:
Teaching will be in the form of lectures, screenings and student-led seminars.
Method of assessment:
Critical Review of a Film or Television Programme (20%)
Seminar Participation (20%)
Research Essay (60%)
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YEAR 3