Course syllabus
Autumn 2019
Course syllabus, Autumn 2019
Title
Media and Communication Studies: Visualizing and Prototyping the Media
Swedish title
Media and Communication Studies: Visualizing and Prototyping the Media
Course code
KK646C
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 valid from
2018-09-03
Syllabus approval date
2018-02-12
Level
Advanced level
Entry requirements
30 credits on advanced level in Media and Communication Studies or social sciences, humanities, arts or design discipline + English 6
Main field
Media and Communications Science
Progression level
A1F / Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirementsProgression 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 course provides specific knowledge of how to work with visualization and prototype representations in media and communication. The course also provides students with skills in how to work with design-oriented and practice-based knowledge; skills that can be utilised in the final degree project.
Course contents
The course begins with lectures on visualization and prototyping. Students produce an analysis of information visualizations. After that, they work on a visualization project through an iterative design process, using methods for sketching and prototyping. The project is presented and discussed during a final seminar.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course students shall:
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles for information visualization and information graphics, in static and dynamic media (1)
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of quantitative data, statistics: how they are used and produced, their role in relation to different media related contexts (2)
- Demonstrate skills in planning for and develop visualizations using methods for sketching and prototyping, through an iterative design process (3)
- Be able to prepare a proposal for an information visualization project intended for a specific context and target group, and relate design decisions to these (4)
- Be able to critically analyse visualizations of quantitative data in the media in relation to comprehension and transparency (5)
Learning activities
Teaching is conducted through seminars, lectures, supervision, and project work. The course is web-based.
Assessment
1 Written analysis of information visualization (3 hp, UG learning outcomes 1,2,5)
2 Individual project: prototype for information visualization intended for web/ digital media. Hand-in of the prototype and of a written design report. (7 hp, A-U, learning outcomes 1,2,3,4)
3 Written reflection (5 hp, A-U, learning outcomes 1,4,5)
Course literature and other study material
Kirk, Andy (2016) Data Visualisation. A Handbook for Data driven Design. London et al: Sage.
Buxton, Bill (2007) Sketching User Experiences. Getting the Design Right and the Right Design. Morgan Kaufman.
Pickett, Kate & Wilkinson, John R. (2009) The Spirit Level. Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better. Allen Lane/Bloomsbury
Additional articles and chapters will be made available for the students.
Course evaluation
Written course evaluation carried out at the end of the course.
Additional information
Students are expected to be familiar with Microsoft Excel at a basic level. Excel software can be downloaded via Malmö University.