Course syllabus autumn 2024
Course syllabus autumn 2024
Title
Media and Communication Studies: Key Themes in Media and Communication Studies
Swedish title
Media and Communication Studies: Key Themes in Media and Communication Studies
Course code
KK640B
Credits
15 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2023-08-23
Syllabus valid from
2024-08-26
Entry requirements
Degree of Bachelor (180 credits)or equivalent in subjects relevant for media- and communication studies. Examples of relevant subjects include, but are not limited to: media- and communication, cultural studies, film studies, literature, graphic design, visual communication, stage production, media production or fine arts.
General eligibility + the equivalent of English 6 in Swedish higher secondary school.
Level
Advanced level
Main field
Media and Communications Science
Progression level
A1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course is included in the main field Media and Communication Studies, and can be part of the degree requirements for a Master’s degree (60 or 120 credits).
Course objectives
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the field of Media and Communication Studies. At the heart of this field is a concern with the relationship between media and the broader social, cultural, and political worlds in which they operate. The course introduces students to both classic theories central to the field, and contemporary perspectives that challenge and build on this body of work. The course aims to introduce students to both the historical trajectory of the field and to key themes in contemporary empirical and theoretical debates that animate the field today; and to offer an entry into critical, independent engagement with research in the field.
Course contents
The course is structured around four key themes in the field of Media and Communication Studies:
- Media and Society,
- Media Production,
- Media Representations, and
- Media Audiences.
The course provides students with advanced knowledge of the field’s key issues and contemporary empirical and theoretical debates, as well as an understanding of foundational theories and the historical contexts from which they emerged.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course students shall demonstrate:
- comprehension of the historical development and manifestation of foundational theoretical debates in the field of Media and Communication Studies
- advanced understanding of and the ability to synthesize key themes in contemporary empirical and theoretical debates in the field of Media and Communication Studies
- the ability to systematically and clearly communicate both verbally and in writing
Learning activities
Learning activities include lectures, seminars, and individual work on written and oral assignments.
Assessment
Assignments include written work (13 cr.) and verbal presentations (2 cr.) focused on each of the four thematic strands (LO 1-3).
Three opportunities for examination are offered during the academic year. Students who have not finished the course, have the opportunity to take part in examinations the next time the course is offered. Under such circumstances, assignments are carried out according to the literature and assignments that are valid during the time the examination is carried out.
Course literature
- Hodkinson, P. (2017) Media, culture and society: An introduction. London: Sage.
- Oullette, L. (2013) The Media Studies Reader. New York, London: Sage.
Additional readings will be made available through the Malmö University learning platform.
Course evaluation
Malmö University provides students who participate in, or who have completed a course, with the opportunity to express their opinions and describe their experiences of the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarise the results of course evaluations. The University will also inform participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures taken in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
If a course is no longer offered, or has undergone significant changes, the students must be offered two opportunities for re-examination based on the syllabus that applied at the time of registration, for a period of one year after the changes have been implemented.
Additional information
If a student has a Learning support decision, the examiner has the right to provide the student with an adapted test, or to allow the student to take the exam in a different format.
The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.