Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences School of Humanities MEDIA, CULTURE & CREATIVE PRACTICE PROGRAMME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2018/19 DISCLAIMER Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this Handbook and in all other documentation provided by the School is correct at the time of publication. The Handbook does not replace the entries in the University Regulations, which are authoritative statements. In the case of a contradiction or other discrepancy between information in this Handbook and the Regulations, the Regulations shall be authoritative, unless approval has been given for a variation. We would however, be grateful to you for drawing any sources of contradictory information to our attention. The University will do all it reasonably can to provide the programme as described in this document. Given the duration of the programme, circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control may mean that it cannot deliver the programme as described. In addition to the other information provided, the University seeks to identify below the circumstances in which it may be required to make changes. Where any such changes are made, the University will notify the relevant students as early as reasonably possible and will take all reasonable steps to minimise any disruption which may result, for example, by delivering a modified version of the programme, affording the opportunity to withdraw and providing help to transfer to another institution or, where relevant, by providing alternative optional modules. It may be helpful to remember that Schools sometimes operate different procedures and you are advised to refer to the relevant School Handbook for modules being taken in another School. Life as a student at university is an exciting time associated with a range of new experiences, environments and opportunities. It is also associated with a number of changes and new challenges that can include living and learning more independently, managing your time effectively and getting to grips with a variety of new learning environments and assessment types. In order to help you settle in and to ease your transition into life at university, Keele provides an extended induction programme for all new students that focuses on your social life and wellbeing, your academic programme, and your future careers and employability. This handbook is designed to provide information and guidance of relevance to your time at Keele on issues that include: Communication - staying in touch (Sections 1-3) Key University policies and regulations (Section 5) Key learning resources available to you as a student (Sections 4, 14) Study and assessment in Higher Education (Sections 6 - 11). Student Support (Sections 5). If you require the Handbook or any other materials in an alternative format, please let us know. On request we can provide you with a printed copy, enlarged print on coloured paper, audio recording or Braille version. 2 Welcome to the School of Humanities The School of Humanities is one of the Schools within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. It consists of a large number of diverse disciplines which include the programmes: American Studies, English and American Literatures (EALS), English, Film Studies, History, Media, Culture & Creative Practice (Media), Music, and Music Technology. American Studies, EALS, English, Film Studies, History and Media Communications & Culture support staff are located in the Humanities School Office, CBA1.017 which is in Chancellor’s Building. Music and Music Technology are based in the Clock House. Details of the School of Humanities Head of School, Media Programme Directors and support staff are as follows: Head of School: Dr Timothy Lustig Room CBB1.038 Telephone: 01782 (7) 33011 Email: [email protected] Senior School Manager: Mr Scott Dean Room: CBA1.001 Telephone: 01782 (7) 33203 Email: [email protected] Media Programme Director Dr Elizabeth Poole Room MB0.05 Media Telephone: 01782 (7) 34968 Email: [email protected] Media Programme Administrator Mrs Vicki Norman Room: CBA1.017 Telephone: 01782 (7) 34579 Email: [email protected] 3 THE MEDIA PROGRAMME HANDBOOK Media forms a central part of our contemporary lives: from the way we access the news, to the way meaning is produced in cultural forms such as television, film, literature and music. We rely on media technology to sustain our everyday social relationships as well as to engage in the worlds of business, politics, and international affairs. On the (Media) programme at Keele you are not simply studying the ways in which media, communications, and culture have become central to every aspect of our lives. You also have the opportunity to produce cultural artefacts of your own, from photography and news production through to social media video and visual art. This combination of critical thinking about media and culture, together with creative engagement in their practical production, forms the heart of Media at Keele. When you are taking a more theoretical module you will be invited to consider how its content relates to the hands-on projects you will undertake. Vice-versa, when working on the practical side, you will need to reflect on the theory that underpins your product. Media is an integrated, interdisciplinary programme that will provide you with both the specific and transferable skills you need in today’s media-rich world. INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Media Programme in the School of Humanities. The aim of this handbook is to give you the basic information about the School and the undergraduate programme. It is very important that you read this handbook in your first few days here, and keep it safe for the duration of your time at Keele, as you will need to check details from time to time. As you will see from the Table of Contents, this handbook provides important information on a wide range of topics, such as course modules, assessment and students welfare. If you are unclear about any issue in the handbook you should feel free to ask members of the academic or office staff. The Media website will offer another source of information about staff, events and the programme: www.keele.ac.uk/depts/mcc. We very much hope you enjoy your time at Keele and that you will find the courses challenging and stimulating. Dr Elizabeth Poole Programme Director for Media September 2018 4 CONTENTS PAGE CONTENTS PAGE ................................................................................................................................................... 5 1 IMPORTANT DATES ....................................................................................................................................... 8 2. STAFF ............................................................................................................................................................ 9 2.1 STAFF CONTACT DETAILS ............................................................................................................................... 9 2.2 STAFF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................................................. 9 2.3 ACADEMIC STAFF BIOGRAPHIES, TEACHING AND RESEARCH...................................................................... 10 3. COMMUNICATION ...................................................................................................................................... 12 3.1 THE SCHOOL OFFICE - CBA1.017 .................................................................................................................. 12 3.2 E-VISION ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.3 KEELE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (KLE) ....................................................................................................... 12 3.4 OFFICE HOURS ............................................................................................................................................. 12 3.5 THE KEELE APPROACH TO EDUCATION ........................................................................................................ 13 3.6 HIGHER EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT REPORT (HEAR) .................................................................................. 13 4. TEACHING ORGANISATION AND ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................ 13 4.1 TEACHING ROOMS ...................................................................................................................................... 13 4.2 THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ............................................................................................................................ 14 4.3 IT SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 14 4.4 TIMETABLING .............................................................................................................................................. 15 5. STUDENT WELFARE AND REPRESENTATION ................................................................................................ 15 5.1 SCHOOL SAFETY POLICY............................................................................................................................... 15 5.2 UNIVERSITY POLICY ON DISABILITY ............................................................................................................