History: Media History

<p>Our media technologies change at a rapid pace, reminding us how important communication is in today’s world. In the introductory course in Media History, you will explore how the content, form and use of media have developed over time - and learn to analyse them from a historical perspective.</p><p>The course takes you on a journey through media history, from prehistoric times to the present day. You will explore the first writing systems and how oral and written cultures interacted. You will learn about the invention of printing and how it shaped religious conflicts and the rise of nation states. You will also discover media’s role in industrial capitalism, freedom of expression and censorship, postal systems and popular culture.<br/><br/>You will look at newspapers and audio media like the telephone and radio, and analyse how television and film have influenced society. You’ll also discuss communication through text, sound and image in relation to economic, political, cultural and social change. The course uses a broad definition of media and shows how different media forms are connected.</p>