NMD3202 Media CriticsBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs TEXTILE AND FASHION DESIGNGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementBologna CommissionNational Qualifications
TEXTILE AND FASHION DESIGN
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
NMD3202 Media Critics Spring 3 0 3 5
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Assist. Prof. MELİS ÖZBEK
Recommended Optional Program Components: None.
Course Objectives: This course aims to raise awareness of bias and ideology in the media that surround us daily. The course does not promote a particular political viewpoint, but challenges you to engage media critically, thereby becoming better informed citizens.

Teaching method of the course: lecture, readings, group presentation, discussions, case studies

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
- Apply structuralist and semiotic approaches to analyze media texts, identifying key elements such as signs, signification, myth, discourse, and ideological structures.
- Examine media content using theories of representation, framing, agenda-setting, and discourse analysis, assessing how various groups and issues are portrayed.
-Utilize CDA methods to evaluate media narratives, particularly in relation to racism, ideology, and power structures in news coverage.
- Investigate how media portrayals shape public perceptions of minorities, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racialized groups.
- Analyze journalistic practices in disaster reporting, considering ethical concerns, representation of victims, and media biases in coverage.

Course Content

This course aims to raise awareness of bias and ideology in the media that surround us daily. The course does not promote any political viewpoint, but challenges you to engage with media critically, thereby becoming more critical and literate on contemporary cultural, social, and political issues.

The primary objective is to let the students gain the knowledge and problem-solving skills to understand and criticize the patterns and processes that underlie modern media institutions, their production and practices, and the consequences of those patterns and processes on the way media audiences understand and interpret the world.

This course examines global media industries (film, television, news, new media, etc.) and their content through specific national and international case studies. It reviews cultural, media and communication theories to learn about the political and cultural roles of media.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to the course
2) Introduction to media criticism Hartley: medium/media, news values, objectivity, literacy
3) Medya metninin anlamını aramak: Yapısalcılık ve Göstergebilim Easthope, A., & McGowan, K. (Eds.). (2004). A critical and cultural theory reader. University of Toronto Press. pp. 3-12. Bignell, J. (2002). Media semiotics: An introduction. Manchester University Press, pp. 5-16 Hartley: binary oppositions, language, functions of langue, meaning, myth, narrative, parole, rhetoric, semiotics/semiology, sign, signification, structuralism
4) Medya metninin anlamını aramak: Göstergebilim, ideoloji ve söylem. Easthope, A., & McGowan, K., pp. 33-42 & 94-102 Bignell, pp. 16-27 Hartley: discourse, hegemony, ideology, ideological state apparatus, interpellation, myth
5) Approaches to analyzing the media content: Representation, framing, agenda-setting, discourse analysis Bignell: pp. 79-104 Hartley: bias, content analysis, representation, gatekeeper, mass communication, stereotype, text/textual analysis Hall, 1997, Representation, pp. 79-104 Hall, 1980, Culture, Media & Language, pp. 117-128
6) Eleştirel Söylem Analizi Wodak, 2015, Critical Discourse Analysis. Fairclough, 2010, Critical Discourse Analysis, pp. 230-255 Van Dijk, 2000, New(s) racism - A discourse analytical approach. Van Dijk, 2008, News, Discourse and Ideology Van Dijk, 2015, Racism in the Press.
7) Migration and media I: Minorities in Turkey Koksal, 2016, Memory, Identity: The Turkish Context, pp. 1-25. Özbek, 2022, The Netflix Effect on Turkish Television, pp. 75-93. Supplementary course material will be announced through Itslearning.
8) Midterm
9) Migration and media II: Refugees and immigrants Bingell, pp. 79-104 Hall, Representation, 1997, pp. 223-291 Supplementary course material will be announced through Itslearning.
10) Race, gender, and media I: Sports and the new concepts of race and racism Easthrope & McGowan; pp. 87-90 Hartley: Ethnic/ethnicity; race; subjectivity
11) Race, gender, and media II: Media coverage on women and LGTBQ+ Easthrope & McGowan: pp.143-177 & 191-197 & 102-108 Hartley: subjectivity, gender
12) Disasters and media I: Media outlets and journalistic factors Supplementary course material will be announced through Itslearning.
13) Disasters and media II: Coverage of victims: women, children, survivors Supplementary course material will be announced through Itslearning.
14) Evaluation of the term before final exam

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Bignell, J. (2002). Media semiotics: An introduction. Manchester University Press.

Easthope, A., & McGowan, K. (Eds.). (2004). A critical and cultural theory reader. University of Toronto Press.

Hartley, J. (2012). Communication, cultural and media studies: The key concepts. Routledge.

Ott, B. L., & Mack, R. L. (2020). Critical media studies: An introduction. John Wiley & Sons.
References: Bignell, J. (2002). Media semiotics: An introduction. Manchester University Press.

Easthope, A., & McGowan, K. (Eds.). (2004). A critical and cultural theory reader. University of Toronto Press.

Hartley, J. (2012). Communication, cultural and media studies: The key concepts. Routledge.

Ott, B. L., & Mack, R. L. (2020). Critical media studies: An introduction. John Wiley & Sons.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 1 % 10
Presentation 1 % 20
Midterms 1 % 25
Final 1 % 45
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 55
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 45
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 13 3 39
Study Hours Out of Class 14 6 84
Midterms 1 2 2
Final 1 2 2
Total Workload 127

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Understands the principles of artistic creation and basic design and applies the art and design objects he creates within this framework.
2) Conducts the multifaceted research required for textile and fashion design processes and analyzes and interprets the results.
3) Creates original and applicable fabric, clothing and pattern designs by using elements from different historical periods and cultures in accordance with his purpose.
4) Recognizes textile raw materials and equipments.
5) Uses computer programs effectively in the garment and fabric surface design process.
6) Has professional technical knowledge regarding the implementation of clothing designs and production; In this context, recognizes and uses technological tools and equipment.
7) Understands the importance of interdisciplinary interaction and communication in textile and clothing design-production-presentation processes and reflects this on the processes.
8) Works in a programmed and disciplined manner in professional practices.
9) Realizes the necessity of lifelong learning to maintain his productivity, creativity and professional competence.
10) Understands, adopts and applies ethical responsibilities in professional practices; Has knowledge of relevant legal regulations.
11) Establishes effective visual, written and verbal communication in the field of textile and fashion design.
12) Reflects his knowledge on current and contemporary issues from all fields to his professional theoretical and practical studies on textile and clothing design; Understands the social and universal effects of these issues.
13) Has sufficient awareness about social justice, environmental awareness, quality culture and protection of cultural values.