LAS497 Media, State and Society in China

Overview

These modules explore the workings of the media in China and their treatment of social issues. You will develop critical reading strategies for media, academic, government and corporate sources, research skills and experience in writing shorter and longer explanations of these issues. 

In the first half of the module, we will critically examine changes in media practice and coverage on Chinese society (in Chinese and overseas print media, social media and documentary film) as these contribute to the ‘public conversation’ on Chinese society. In the second half of the semester, you will produce your own contributions to that conversation: you will each write a short individual research article on a social topic that draws on the academic literature and media coverage. We will discuss these in the weekly seminars.

Topics covered include

• China's Netscape

• Screening Chinese Society

• Rural China, urban China and migration

• Gender, family and private life

• China's world

• Wealth Poverty and consumerism

Skills Development

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Critical thinking

• Global awareness

• Knowledge

• Problem solving

• Adaptability

• Academic writing

• Autonomy and creative work

• Communication 

• Collaboration

• IT skills

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 150 hours working on a 15-credit module. This will include:

• Lecture: 10 hours

• Seminar: 10 hours

• Independent study hours: 130 hrs