HMDS011 STUDY GUIDE 2025(1) (1)

Page 1: Course Overview

• University: University of Limpopo

• Faculty: Faculty of Humanities

• Department: Department of Communication, Media and Information Studies

• Programme: Media Studies

• Module: Introduction to Media and Society (HMDS011)

• Year: 2025

• Duration: Year Module

• Study Guide: Outline of HMDS011 study unit.

Page 2: Lecturer and Compiler Information

• Primary Lecturer: Mr. AC Mangaka

• Compiler: Dr. EJ Malatji

• Location: University of Limpopo, City of Polokwane, Republic of South Africa

Page 3: Study Unit Overview

• Aim: To understand media's relationship with society and its impacts.

• Topics Covered:

  • Media dynamics

  • Technological developments' effect on media and society

• Objectives:

  1. Describe media

  2. List types of media

  3. Outline characteristics of media

  4. Define society and patterns of society

  5. Explain the information society

  6. Analyze the relationship between media and society

  7. Discuss media's impact on representation

  8. Describe new media and characteristics

Page 4: Teaching Methodology

• Method: Classroom sessions based on curriculum details, use of Blackboard

• Class Participation: Encouraged for active student involvement

• Consultation Schedule:

  • Thursday: 07H30 – 09H00 (Email/WhatsApp)

  • Friday: 10H00 – 12H00 (Email/WhatsApp)

• Table of Contents: Outline of subjects and their respective pages in the study material.

Page 5: Chapters Overview

• Chapter 1: Defining the Media

  • Introduction, definition, characteristics, types of media

• Chapter 2: Description of Society

  • Patterns of society, roles of institutions, contemporary society, information society

• Chapter 3: Potential and Actual Use of Media

• Chapter 4: Media and Representation

• Chapter 5: New Media

• Chapter 6: Evaluation and Assessment

• Chapter 7: Revision Questions

• Chapter 8: Activities

• Chapter 9: Recommended Books

Page 6: Defining the Media

• Importance of Media: Rampant in daily life, encompassing various formats and contexts such as television, radio, newspapers

• Roles of Media: Connects people, provides entertainment, shapes identities and interpretations of the world

• Definition: Media comprises communication industries transporting information across time and space to individuals and groups.

• Characteristics:

  • Human communication systems

  • Industrialized message production

  • Mass audience reach

  • Facilitates communication across distances

  • Influenced by commercial interests

Page 7: Types of Media

• Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, journals, posters

• Electronic Media: Television, radio, etc.

• New Media: Social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Page 8: Description of Society

• Definition of Society: A structured network of individuals sharing customs and laws

• Components of Society: Emphasizes social interactions, relationships, power dynamics, and institutions

• Key Institutions: Family, education, religion, economy, politics

Page 9: Family and Society

• Role of Family: Primary socialization agent for children; values and norms taught shape culture and community involvement

• Socialization Process: Development of self through interaction and feedback from the family unit

Page 10: Importance of Education

• Significance: Education extends socialization and is a critical part of societal cohesion

• Functions of Education:

  • Complete socialization

  • Cultural heritage transmission

  • Formation of social personalities

  • Reformation of attitudes

  • Preparation for careers

Page 11: Economic Institutions

• Definition: Arrangements governing production, distribution, and consumption of resources in society

• Role: Impact economic growth and sustainability, influencing social roles and opportunities

Page 12: Political Institutions

• Definition: Governance structures affecting authority, social order, and control mechanisms

• Key Functions: Protection, resolving conflicts, defining societal goals and norms

Page 13: Contemporary Society and Changes

• Issues: Change, inequality, consent maintenance in democracies

• Information Society: Characterized by reliance on information technology and communication resources

Page 14: Characteristics of Information Society

• Technological Aspects: Key drivers are information processing, storage, and transmission.

• Cultural Shifts: A media-laden society reflecting connectivity and engagement in everyday life

Page 15: Cultural Notes

• Influence of Information: Societal norms and individual behaviors influenced by media representations

Page 16: Media and Representation Overview

• Discussion Focus: Interaction between media representations and societal identity formation

• Stereotypes: Generalizations impacting perception and real-world behaviors, reinforced by media

Page 17: Media Representation Characteristics

• Stereotyping Impacts: Stereotypes shape societal perceptions, affecting response to groups and individuals

Page 18: Media Content Perspectives

• Contradictions: Debates regarding media’s role in society – reflecting or shaping societal norms

Page 19: Race Representation in Media

• Historical Context: Discussion of representations and stereotypes within media portrayals of race

Page 20: Gender Representation

• Media Portrayals: Inequities and changes in portrayals of men and women in various media formats

Page 21: Class Representation and Social Issues

• Focus: Differences between economic classes and the visibility of minority perspectives in media

Page 22: New Media Impact

• Definition: Technological integration changing information access and sharing patterns

• Examples: Social media platforms highlighted for interactivity and community engagement

Page 23: Evaluation and Assessment Overview

• Assessment Methods: Various forms including tests, group work, and individual assignments

Page 24: Revision Questions and Activities

• Focus Questions: Key queries to gauge understanding of course content,

• Activities: Definitions, characteristics, and roles of media in society

Page 25: Recommended Reading

• Prescribed Texts: O’Shaughnessy & Stadler, Croteau & Hoynes, Fourie publications