Media and Society
Media and Society revolves around the intersection of two broad questions: what functions do news media serve in society; and what should the role of the media be?
Course coordinator: Dr Nechama Brodie
Email: [email protected]
Course codes: (SLLS7044A / JOMS7017A)
2026 information: First semester (3 February – 19 May), Wednesdays, 4 – 6pm, 10th Floor Drum Room
Course Overview
Competition from social networks and a shift in the business model for journalism have created questions for journalists about what role they should play in society. This course focuses on this question by applying a range of theories and research approaches to local conditions, to better understand the shifting role of media in South Africa.
Projected Outcomes
At the end of the course, students should have:
• A critical understanding of the different traditions of media theory and an ability to contextualise these approaches.
• An ability to relate media theories to South Africa and African contexts, and to critically assess their value and uses.
• An ability to critically reflect on the media as an institution in society.
• An ability to write critical analytical arguments on key questions related to media and society.
• An ability to critically discuss the current context for news media both locally and globally and reflect on the potential implications for society.
Course Content
• The field of media research
• Media and democracy
• Media economics
• Critical political economy
• Media and publics
• The production of public debate
• Issues of African media
• Representation and identity
• Digital media and data journalism
• History of SA journalism