Media and Communication Theory

The course covers theories which explain how media and communication relate to society and different areas of social life. The course presents different perspectives on media development and on the relationship between different media types (e.g., traditional media, internet, digital platforms and AI applications). By working with theories and the syllabus, students develop insight into a number of different approaches to media and communication and how theories can be used in empirical research.

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have in-depth knowledge of central theories in media and communication research.
• have in-depth knowledge of social scientific approaches of how to study the media's role in society.
• have in-depth on the relationship between different media types (e.g., traditional media, internet, digital platforms and AI applications).
• understand the relationship between theory and empirical research.
• be able to reflect on and critically evaluate theories tied to media and communication.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• understand, explain and critically reflect on the theories covered in teaching in an independent manner.
• understand, explain and critically reflect on current events and developments related to the media using theories about media and communication in an independent manner.

Lectures and seminars equivalent to 2 hours a week, includes supervision in groups and individually. Compulsory activity: Oral presentation. Parts of the lectures can be held in English.