Media and Communication Studies: Digital Media, Participation and Agency
Syllabus, Master's level, 2IV142
- Code
- 2IV142
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Media and Communication Studies A1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG)
- Finalised by
- The Department Board, 25 October 2018
- Responsible department
- Department of Informatics and Media
General provisions
The course is offered in English.
Entry requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university, including at least 90 credits in the social sciences or a comparable field and an independent project of at least 15 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle (Bachelor's level) studies.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the module students will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
- demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of contemporary research on digital media, political participation and agency on different levels,
- demonstrate substantial in-depth understanding of the relationship between contemporary digital technologies, politics and political action,
- demonstrate in-depth insight into current research and development in the field.
Skills and abilities
- critically, creatively and systematically evaluate central themes, theories and issues within the study of digital media, political participation and agency,
- collect empirical material for analysing and assessing the relationship between contemporary digital technologies, politics and political action,
- demonstrate an ability to present work in spoken form,
- reflect on and integrate complex material both individually and within a group,
Judgment and approach
- demonstrate skills in discussing one's own and others research, participate in discussions and provide constructive criticism,
- adopt a critical approach to information and research in the field of digital media and political participation,
- demonstrate the ability to identify the need or requirements for further knowledge and to take charge of their own knowledge development.
Content
The course focuses on theories and perspectives for analysing the role that digital media and information technology play for political participation on different levels in society today. A particular emphasis is placed upon the agent's role for participation and the interplay of digital media in this. Key theoretical concepts in the course are as follows: participation, power, politics and agency. A deeper understanding of theories and debates regarding if and how digital media have re-structured political organisation and political action will be at the core of the course.
Instruction
Lectures and seminars.
Assessment
The course is examined by an examination and active participation in seminars.
If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator or a decision by the department's working group for study matters.