SFBS30321 Communication and culture dissemination on digital platforms (Spring 2025)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Optional course in the Bachelor's Programme in Languages .

There must be a sufficient number of enrolled students for the course to be offered. This applies to both the course itself and across the various target languages.

Absolute requirements

Students must have passed at least 60 credits in English, French, Spanish, or German.

Lecture Semester

6th semester (Spring)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

The student has

• broad knowledge of various aspects of cultural communication in today's society and the past, including how different cultures interact
• knowledge of different ways digital tools and platforms can be used to convey culture
• knowledge of how messages are crafted and adapted to different media forms
• knowledge of ethical dimensions related to cultural communication on digital platforms, with a focus on disinformation, fake news, and propaganda

 

Skills

The student

• can explain theories related to the communication of culture on digital platforms
• can explain various techniques used to convey culture on digital platforms
• can interpret and create a message related to cultural communication on different digital platforms
• can discuss the ethical aspects and dilemmas of cultural communication on digital platforms

 

General Competence

The student

• has acquired theoretical knowledge about the communication of culture on digital platforms
• has established a foundation for interpreting and conveying culture, as well as producing a message in the target language tailored to the audience on digital platforms
• has developed their ability for critical thinking related to the communication of culture on digital platforms
• has strengthened their language skills in the language used in the course

Content

A general part in Norwegian:

There is a basic introduction to various purposes of communication and cultural dissemination on digital platforms. The concept of "culture" can here be understood on two levels. One is the transmission of various types of cultural content, such as literature, music, film, etc., through asynchronous communication (blogs, podcasts, digital encyclopedias, etc.) or synchronous communication (live streaming, etc.). Therefore, an introduction is provided on the use of various tools/digital platforms related to cultural dissemination on digital platforms.

The second level is related to how communication and culture on digital platforms influence a society. This involves how different societal actors utilize digital platforms and how societal debates are shaped by new media.

An important aim of the course will be to understand the interaction between sender, receiver, and media on one side, and between intention, message, means, and impact on the other, concerning the ability to distinguish between communication, propaganda, and fake news. Another important aim of the course is to highlight the democratic challenges associated with the above interactions.

The course will explore theories on how language, text, and various audiovisual expressions are utilized to convey culture in digital media and on digital platforms. It will also examine various forms of interaction in social media (Twitter, etc.) where different cultural and current societal topics are debated.

Students will become familiar with how the above issues manifest, especially in different languages and cultural frameworks. Examples will be drawn from Norwegian, English, French, Spanish, or German culture and context.

Students will also work in practical manners, and create content for various digital platforms themselves.

 

Language-specific part (English/French/Spanish/German):

The conceptual framework that the students have acquired in Norwegian, in the common part, will be transferred and strengthened in the target language, through literature and examples from the target language area. The students receive training in content analysis and critical thinking regarding the relationship between messages and media forms. Societal and cultural knowledge is central in the course.

In connection with the requirements of the course, there is room for students to combine their theoretical knowledge within the subject from the common part with more concrete forms of communication related to the chosen languages.

Forms of teaching and learning

Digital teaching (4 weeks of shared content, and 4 weeks of target language).

Workload

Approximately 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

A group-based requirement in the form of a 'communication strategy,' which includes the following components:

• A brief reflective note describing the strategy chosen by the students to convey cultural content.
• An audio file in podcast format in Norwegian, addressing a cultural or socially relevant theme, or discussing cultural or societal aspects related to the use of digital platforms.
• Information material about the aforementioned cultural content on various digital platforms (such as Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or through a website).

Assignment submissions must be in Norwegian and must be approved before the student is eligible to appear for the exam.

Examination

An individual requirement in the form of a "communication strategy," which includes the following components:

• A brief reflective note describing the strategy chosen by the students to convey cultural content.

• An audio file in podcast format in Norwegian, addressing a cultural or societal theme or discussing cultural or societal aspects related to the use of digital platforms.

• Information material about the aforementioned cultural content on various digital platforms (such as Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or via a website).

The examination must be submitted in the target language (English, French, German, or Spanish).

Grading scale A-F.

Examiners

Internal and external sensor or two internal sensors.

Course evaluation

Feedback from our students is crucial for us to be able to offer the best possible courses and study programs. The course is evaluated every semester.

The results are processed by:

• Teaching staff
• Head of Studies
• Programme Committee

Literature

The reading list will be published in Leganto before the start of the semester.