This course covers the scientific research field of Media and communication studies. A picture is given of the field's historical development and its present aspect. Predominant theories are discussed and related to each other, as well as contemporary challengers to the dominant theories. An important element of the course is to discuss the logic of the field: what is it that makes specific theories more important than others, and why does the field appear as it does right now? The aim is to bring the students near to the forefront of research in the field.

The course begins with lectures on the research field of Media and communication studies based on the reading list. The field's leading traditions are discussed and related to each other. The logic of the field is studied and discussed. On the basis of these lectures, and on the basis of the reading list, the students write a reflection [MK1] on selected texts, and discuss these in seminars. Finally, the students author their own summary texts about the research field of Media and Communication Studies.

After completing the course students shall:

1) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the research field of media and communication studies and its historical development

2) demonstrate advance knowledge of the field's present dominant theories and research questions

After completing the course students shall:

3) demonstrate the ability verbally and in writing to report clearly and discuss the aspect of the research field of media and communication studies, as well as its dominant theories and research questions

The course is web-based. It is based on workshops with compulsory attendance, either physically or digitally. Texts are written individually and are discussed during seminars.

Course examination through both verbal presentations and written papers. Students initially write a reflection on key texts that are presented and discussed during seminars. This element gives 5 credits. Students then write their own text in which they describe, critically examine and reflect on the contemporary media and communication field of research, its dominant theories and applicability in the problem analysis. This element gives 10 credits. Both elements affect all three learning outcomes.

Bolter, Jay David (2000) “Remediation and the Desire for Immediacy”, Convergence 6(1): 62-71.

Deacon, David and James Stanyer (2014) “Mediatization: Key Concept or Conceptual Bandwagon?”, Media, Culture & Society 36(7): 1032–1044.

Deuze, Mark (2011) “Media Life”, Media, Culture & Society 33(1): 137–148.

Dijck, José van (2012) “Facebook and the Engineering of Connectivity: A Multi-Layered Approach to Social Media Platforms”, Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies 19(2): 141-155.

Hepp, Andreas, Stig Hjarvard and Knut Lundby (2015) “Mediatization: Theorizing the Interplay between Media, Culture and Society”, Media, Culture & Society 37(2): 314–324.

Hodkinson, P., 2017. Media, culture and society: An introduction. Sage.

Morley, David (2009) ”For a Materialist, Non–Media-Centric Media Studies”, Television & New Media, 10(1): 114-116.

Ritzer, George (2014) “Prosumption: Evolution, Revolution, or Eternal Return of the Same?”, Journal of Consumer Culture 14(1): 3–24.

A selection of scientific articles from the library's full-text databases, to be added.

The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to

the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).