Course syllabus autumn 2017
Course syllabus autumn 2017
Title
Media and Communication Studies: Network Society Studies
Swedish title
Media and Communication Studies: Network Society Studies
Course code
KK648A
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
2015-10-18
Syllabus valid from
2016-08-29
Entry requirements
30 credits on advanced level in Media- and Communication Studies, Communication for Development or other Social Science discipline + English B.
Level
Advanced level
No main field.
Progression level
A1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can be part of the degree requirements for a master's degrees.
Course objectives
In this course, students choose topics which interest them around the issues of network society studies and get a better understanding of the field of media and communication studies in relation to the advances in our understanding of networking technologies in society. The course consists of readings and discussions on the topic of how technologies and societies relate and what kind of changes this brings in the area of media and communication studies.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After completing this course, students shall 1) have a deep understanding of what constitutes as network society; 2) demonstrate a deep understanding of how different social fields are affected by the technologically mediated networking opportunities.
Competence and skills
After completing this course, students shall 3) demonstrate high level skills in handling academic texts and reports in strategic manner; 4) demonstrate skills in theoretical and conceptual level comparisons suitable for higher level academic writing.
Judgement and approach
After completing this course, students shall be able to 5) relate the theoretical knowledge in a critical and ethics conscious manner to real life problems.
Learning activities
The course is web-based. It consists of lectures and seminars that take place either physically or digitally, and of written assignments and assignment discussions.
Assessment
Students write 1) individual course diaries where they reflect on their skills development concerning theoretical and conceptual issues (learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4 for 7,5 credits), and they carry out comparative network society study project either individually or in pairs (learning outcomes 1, 2 and 5 for 7,5 credits).
Course literature and other study material
Castells, M. (2004) Informationalism, Networks, and the Network Society: A Theoretical Blueprint. (http://annenberg.usc.edu/sites/default/files/2015/04/28/Informationalism,%20Networks%20and%20the%20Network%20Society.pdf)
Ess, C. (2013) Digital media ethics, 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Rainie, L and Wellmann, B. (2012) Networked: The New Social Operating System. Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press.
Additional readings will depend on student preferences and choices and will be made available in the beginning of the course.
Course evaluation
Written course evaluation carried out at the end of the course.