Children, Media Industries and Culture (15 credits)

Module description

This module aims to introduce students to contemporary debates and the complexities of the children's media industries, industries that cater for a section of the population who are perceived as vulnerable because of their age and immaturity. It provides the basis for critical and practical analysis of the business of children's media, and the factors that differentiate it from media for adults.  The module starts by introducing students to definitions of the child and childhood, demonstrating how conceptualisations of childhood are based on historical 'invention' and cultural construction that have changed over time, and also differ across the world. To illustrate and promote understanding of key concepts such as consumption and effects, children's entertainment, regulation, internationalisation and globalization this module will investigate the historical, political and cultural factors that have driven policy interventions, that both protect children from harm (advertising, inappropriate content) and endeavour to promote positive outcomes that contribute to children's development as citizens. Regulation and policy intervention allow children's content and media industries to be analysed through public service interventions (for example. the BBC or the US PBS service) and non-profit initiatives ( for example Sesame Workshop) as well as commercial, transnational undertakings (for example Disney,Nickelodeon, Netflix and even toy companies such as Hasbro and Mattel).  Alongside case studies of local production for children, the module will also look at the activities of some of the largest transnational operators in the children's media industries.

Educational aims & objectives

The module aims to:

• investigate the complex relationship between media and childhood, including different definitions of childhood and their significance.
• examine the historical, political and cultural rationale for policy interventions in the children's media marketplace.
• explore the dynamics and trends that shape the industries that serve children with media content.
• provide an explanatory account of how children's media industries and markets are structured both for different ages and for local and transnational markets.
• critically analyse the different actors within the production ecology of children's media to explain different levels of cultural and economic power.
• enable students to acquire and apply the research skills necessary for undertaking independent analysis of developments in the children's media industries.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.