General provisions

The course is a self-contained course.

Entry requirements

Completed course American Mass Media 7.5 credits or within the humanities and social sciences disciplinary research domain.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the component students will be able to

• Give an account of the main features of several central media theories pertaining to American media productions
• Discuss the historical and cultural conditions in the US during the 20th and 21st centuries of relevance to different mass media
• Critically discuss the many different roles of US media in national and international contexts

Content

The course discusses problems and issues regarding modern U.S. mass media. We read and discuss texts, study different forms of media and place them in their political, cultural, and historical contexts. Topics that may be covered include news assessments, cultural memory, visual culture, race/ethnicity and gender, popular culture, political communication, and the Internet.

Instruction

Group instruction, self-study. Teaching, class discussions, and examination are in English

Assessment

Examination is both oral and in writing. 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, to have another examiner appointed.

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 may not be included in a degree if equivalent parts have been read within another course included in the degree.

Transitional provisions

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