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Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Mediating the Past
Code COMM256
Coordinator Dr AR Grossman
Communication and Media
Alyssa.Grossman@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2025-26 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of key issues relating to the representation and mediation of cultural heritage and memory. The module will enable students to acquire both theoretical and practical insights into the mediation of heritage and memory. The module will provide students with a broad knowledge of the range of practices and discourses of cultural heritage, from the broadcast media, to museums, archives and archival practices. The module will provide students with practical research skills in observation and visual analysis, as part of a heritage/museum field trip.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of key theories and debates on media, heritage and cultural memory.

(LO2) Students will be able to understand and apply these theories and debates to specific examples and case studies linked to the media and heritage industries

(LO3) Students will gain insights into museum practices and exhibition curation.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate practical research and dissemination skills relating to media, heritage and cultural memory.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (including referencing skills).

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical textual and visual analysis.

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking.

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation.

Syllabus
 

Syllabus—topics may include:

Introduction: Mediating Memory

Historiography and Visual Media

Identity, Imagined Communities and Post-memory

Digital Memory and Forgetting

Exhibiting the Past: The Mediatic Museum

Practising Heritage: Museum Field Trip

Reading the Museum: Practical Workshop

Retro Culture and Nostalgia

Memorialisation and the Archive

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching method: 1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar each week.

Description: Lectures will set out key theories and debates and seminars will provide students with opportunities to discuss them.

Schedule directed student hours: 24
- 10 x 1 hour lecture
- 10 x 1 hour seminar
- 4 additional hours (practical workshops and field trip)

Unscheduled directed student hours: 126

Attendance recorded: yes

Notes:
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: reading and preparing for assignments.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 8

 8

       2

2

 20
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 130
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1 Critical Response Paper There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment.  0    25       
Assessment 2 Essay with Visual Component There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment.  0    75       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.