General provisions

The course is offered in English

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 of studies in social science or a comparable field that qualifies for studies in Digital Media and Society. All applicants need to verify English language proficiency. This is normally attested by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce students to theories and approaches that analyse the role of information technology, media and knowledge in contemporary society. The task is to advance students' critical reflection capacities about the kind of society we live in and about their own role in society as students and future actors in information professions.

Upon completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. systematically and critically discuss, evaluate, and reflect on the key issues, debates, principles, concepts, and theories of information society studies;

2. employ and apply a wide range of information society concepts;

3. demonstrate an understanding and an ethical and critical appreciation of the importance of information technology and knowledge in contemporary society;

4. use statistical data sources for analysing and assessing the role of information technology and knowledge in society;

5. analyse and reflect on complex material in individual and group work;

6. plan, manage and write independent reflective research papers;

7. systematically reflect on research literature;

8. demonstrate oral skills in presentation, discussions and constructive criticism.

Content

The course introduces the key concepts and main debates of information society theory; discusses key economic, political, and cultural aspects of the information society; introduces students to the question of how to measure an information society; and provides a critical understanding of information society issues.

Instruction

Lecture, tutring and seminars

Assessment

Active participation in all seminars and conducting the tasks given in an approved way. The students also write an individual final paper.