SFB50314 Media Studies (Spring 2015)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Mandatory course in Bachelor's Programme in International Communication.

Lecture Semester

Bachelor's Programme in International Communication: 2nd semester (spring)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge
The candidates have gained an enhanced understanding of the social role of the media and of the hallmarks of modern media dramaturgy. They understand the way the media desks think and function and how modern media coverage is created, nationally and internationally. 

Skills
The candidates are skilled in analyzing media coverage and the role of the media in general, and in judging the media coverage of individual cases.

General competence
The candidates understand the social role of the media and the way the media think and function. They have an ethical perspective on the role of the media.

Content

• The role of the media
• Media dramaturgy
• Genre knowledge
• The globalized media picture
• Media ethics

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures, discussions, student presentations, media analysis assignment as supervised group work, tutorials.
A correspondent from an international medium will be invited as guest lecturer.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

A media analysis is performed as group work. The coursework must be approved before signing up for the final exam.

Examination

Portfolio assessment, group work
The portfolio contains one new contribution, a media analysis, defined by the course instructor. The portfolio is submitted as group work with groups of 3 (maximum 4) students. Assessment is for the team, not individual; that is, all group members are given the same grade. Grades: A-F.

In the case of a Fail, the group may improve the portfolio and resubmit it at a new exam.

If the candidates wish to improve their grade a new portfolio must be submitted at the next regular exam.

If the candidates wish to complain about the result, all group members must sign the letter of complaint.

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated by the students twice each semester and the result is reported to the faculty's committee for study quality.

Literature

Paxson, Peyton (2010). Mass Communications and Media Studies. New York: Continuum. 251 pages.

In addition to coursebooks:

Articles posted on the learning platform.

Lectures posted on the learning platform.