Syllabus for American Media Cultures

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will

• be able to account for how contemporary U.S. media cultures have developed historically, and what factors and interests that have contributed to shaping them;
• show insight into how Americans' media usage relates to different social and political contexts;
• show ability to analyse the role of various examples and forms of media in contemporary U.S. society.

Content

The course examines the development of media in the United States in historical and contemporary perspectives. It takes its point of departure in a broad definition of media, that encompasses for example TV, film, news media, popular culture, and social media. Focus is placed on questions of how American media cultures have changed over time and how they have related to different political, social, and economic contexts.

Instruction

Teaching is done through lectures and seminars. Virtual meetings may occur. Active participation in course seminars is obligatory. In cases of absence students will be given the opportunity to complete an extra assignment within the framework of the course period. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Examination is done through spoken as well as written assignments and by continuous assessment. Grades used are either Fail, Pass, or Pass with Distinction. 

Students who do not achieve a passing grade on the regular examination will have another opportunity to take the examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination. 

Students who fail a certain examination twice have the right upon request, following consultation with the head of department, to have another examiner appointed.

 

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.

Transitional provisions

For transitional regulations in the case of changes in the syllabus, please contact the student adviser.

Other directives

If the syllabus or course reading for a component has been changed, students have a right to be examined under the original syllabus and course reading on three occasions during the following three semesters. Normally this right then expires. Otherwise there are no limitations on the number of examination opportunities.

The course cannot be counted toward a degree together with the course American Studies A1.