Inside Media Industries: Practices, Production, and Profit

Are you curious about how the media industries really work? Come learn about the media practices that drive production, consumption, and the economics behind it all.

Generating more than $3 trillion of annual revenue, the entertainment and media industries are central institutions in our global society. For students in any discipline, knowledge of the ways in which media content is produced and consumed is key to understanding contemporary society. This minor introduces students to the scientific study of media industries, focusing on three major areas of study. First, students will be familiarized with the major perspectives, key concepts, and developments in the study of the production, content and reception of media and their impact on culture and society. Second, they will focus on the economics of media industries paying particular attention to the business practices of media firms. Third, students will expore the role of diversity in popular culture and advertising through the lens of production, representation, and consumption.

After completing the minor, students should have a wide-ranging knowledge and critical understanding of the major themes and approaches in the literature on media industries, the economic practices of media firms, and diversity in popular culture. They should be able to use their knowledge to reflect and to formulate their own viewpoints and research questions.

Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. We advise a VWO-final examination grade of 7 or higher, a TOEFL-test minimum score of 100 or an IELTS-test minimum score of 7.
Please note that tutorials have mandatory attendance.

Teaching methods
Lectures, tutorials

Teaching materials
Croteau, D. & Hoynes, W. (2022). Media/Society. Technology, Industries, Content, and Users (7th edition). London: Sage. (ISBN: 9781506390789), readings via Canvas and online resources.
Krijnen, T., & Van Bauwel, S. (2022). Gender and media. Representing, producing, consuming (2nd edition). London: Routledge.
Readings via Canvas and online resources.

Method of examination & Composition final grade
Module 1: Media Industries: From Production to Audiences (CM0004)
• Group Assignment (20%)
• Individual Presentation (15%)
• Final Exam (65%)
Module 2: The Business of Media (CM2033)
• Group Paper (15%)
• Group Presentation (15%)
• Individual final paper (70%)
Module 3: Diversity in Popular Culture and Advertising (CM2076)
• Group Presentation (15%)
• Individual final paper (70%)