Course syllabus autumn 2020
Course syllabus autumn 2020
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
2019-04-03
Syllabus valid from
2019-09-02
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 course B 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 of media and communication studies, and can be part of the degree requirements for each 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 which is a concern with the relationship between media and the broader social and cultural worlds in which they operate. Students are introduced to both classic theories central to the development of the field as well as contemporary perspectives that challenge and build on this body of work. The aim is thus to introduce students to both the historical trajectory of the field and to the key themes in contemporary empirical and theoretical debates that animate the field today.
Course contents
The courses is structured around four key themes in the field of Media and Communication Studies: Media and Social Development, Media Production, Media Representations, and Media Audiences. The course provides students with advanced knowledge of the key issues and empirical and theoretical debates at the heart of Media and Communication Studies today as well as an understanding of the foundational theories and historical context from which they have emerged.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course students shall:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the historical development of and foundational theoretical debates in the field of Media and Communication Studies
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of key themes in contemporary empirical and theoretical debates in the field of Media and Communication Studies
- demonstrate ability to identify, discuss and synthesize empirical studies and theories central to the field of Media and Communication Studies structured around four key themes
- demonstrate the ability to communicate with clarity and concision orally and in writing
Learning activities
Learning activities include lectures, seminars and students’ individual work with written and oral assignments. On the basis of the lectures, seminars and assigned readings, students produce two written assignments on current empirical research pertaining to each of the four themes, and finally a literature review discussing research within the four thematic strands in relation to each other.
Assessment
Students are assessed through both oral presentations and written assignments. Students initially write two assignments (2,5 credits each) on current research within each of the four thematic strands. These assignments are graded on a scale of Pass/Fail. Students then write a literature review in which they identify, discuss and synthetize theoretical and empirical research the four themes (10 credits; L O 1-4). Finally, this literature review is presented and discussed orally in a seminar (L O 4). These assignments are graded on a scale of A-U.
Course literature and other study material
Hodkinson, P. (2017) Media, culture and society: An introduction. London: Sage.
A selection of journal articles and book chapters available via the university library's full-text databases will be added to the list of mandatory readings each term. This list will be published no later than eight weeks prior to course start.
Course evaluation
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).