Syllabus for Media and Communication Studies: Global Perspectives on Social Change and Digital Media

Medie- och kommunikationsvetenskap: Globala perspektiv på social förändring och digitala medier

A revised version of the syllabus is available.

Syllabus

  • 7.5 credits
  • Course code: 2IV141
  • Education cycle: Second cycle
  • Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Media and Communication Studies A1N

    Explanation of codes

    The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:

    First cycle

    • G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
    • G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
    • G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    • GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

    Second cycle

    • A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
    • A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
    • AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

  • Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG)
  • Established: 2014-10-16
  • Established by: The Department Board
  • Applies from: Autumn 2015
  • Entry requirements:

    A Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time studies), including at least 90 credits in the social sciences or a comparable field. Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school.

  • Responsible department: Department of Informatics and Media

Decisions and guidelines

The course is offered in English.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the module students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • demonstrate a substantial in-depth knowledge of contemporary research on digital media and societal change from a global perspective, and with a special focus on developing contexts,
  • critically discuss the relationship between contemporary digital technologies and social change and how this relation differs between different contexts and cultures,
  • demonstrate in-depth insight into current research and development in the field ICT4D,

Skills and abilities

  • critically evaluate central themes, theories and issues within the study of digital media and social change,
  • critically, creatively and systematically integrate new knowledge,
  • departing from the above mentioned understanding, be able to analyse and assess existing development cooperation within the field of ICT for development,
  • analyse and reflect on the themes of the course both individually and within a group work,
  • plan, manage and write independent reflective research reviews,

Judgment and approach

  • demonstrate an ability to present completed written work in spoken form, and provide constructive critical feedback on the work of others,
  • adopt a globally anchored critical approach to information and research in the field of ICT, development and development cooperation,
  • demonstrate the ability to identify needs for further knowledge and to take responsibility for one’s own knowledge development,
  • demonstrate understanding into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used,

Content

The course introduces students to theories and global perspectives for analysing the role that digital media and information technology play in developing contexts. The course introduces and studies in depth concepts such as development, ICT for Development (ICT4) and development corporation. A particular focus is placed on the role of digital media in development corporations and how these can be evaluated.

Instruction

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment

The course is examined by an examination and active participation in seminars.

Syllabus Revisions

Reading list

Reading list

Applies from: Autumn 2017

Some titles may be available electronically through the University library.

Literature

  • Desai, Vandana; Potter, Robert B. The companion to development studies

    3rd edition.: London: Routledge, 2014

    Find in the library

    Mandatory

  • Oosterlaken, Ilse Technology and human development

    London: Routledge, 2015

    Find in the library

    Mandatory

  • Sen, Amartya Development as freedom

    Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001

    Find in the library

    Mandatory

Additional readings at course start.

Reading list revisions

Print syllabus and reading list
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