Media and Communication Studies: Network Society Studies
Summary
Network Society Studies is a student-led literature based course where the flipped classroom approach will be applied. This means that students will be given texts to read before class and online or in class seminars will be used to put the readings in the context, to discuss their relevance and applicability in understanding the times we live in. The discussions will be led by three experts in the field, who will all suggest readings close to their heart and interests. At the same time, the students will be given a choice, which seminars they will want to engage in more deeply and which classes they prefer to watch later and not engage in the discussions.Admission requirements
30 credits on advanced level in Media- and Communication Studies, Communication for Development or other Social Science discipline + English B.
Selection:
credits 100%
- Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries, Master's programme (Two-Year), 120/120 credits - Autumn 2015 elective course
- Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries, Master's programme (Two-Year), 120/120 credits - Autumn 2016 elective course
- Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries, Master's programme (Two-Year), 120/120 credits - Autumn 2017 elective course
Syllabus
Syllabus for students autumn 2018, autumn 2017, autumn 2016
- Syllabus autumn 2018, autumn 2017, autumn 2016 (Currently shown)
- Course Code:
- KK648A revision 1
- Level of specialisation
- A1F
- Main fields of study:
- No main fields
- Language:
- English
- Date of ratification:
- 18 October 2015
- Decision-making body:
- Faculty of Culture and Society
- Enforcement date:
- 29 August 2016
Entry requirements
30 credits on advanced level in Media- and Communication Studies, Communication for Development or other Social Science discipline + English B.
Specialisation and progression relative to the degree regulations
The course can be part of the degree requirements for a master's degrees.
Purpose
In this course, students choose topics which interest them around the issues of network society studies and get a better understanding of the field of media and communication studies in relation to the advances in our understanding of networking technologies in society. The course consists of readings and discussions on the topic of how technologies and societies relate and what kind of changes this brings in the area of media and communication studies.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After completing this course, students shall 1) have a deep understanding of what constitutes as network society; 2) demonstrate a deep understanding of how different social fields are affected by the technologically mediated networking opportunities.
Competence and skills
After completing this course, students shall 3) demonstrate high level skills in handling academic texts and reports in strategic manner; 4) demonstrate skills in theoretical and conceptual level comparisons suitable for higher level academic writing.
Judgement and approach
After completing this course, students shall be able to 5) relate the theoretical knowledge in a critical and ethics conscious manner to real life problems.
Learning activities
The course is web-based. It consists of lectures and seminars that take place either physically or digitally, and of written assignments and assignment discussions.
Assessments
Students write 1) individual course diaries where they reflect on their skills development concerning theoretical and conceptual issues (learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4 for 7,5 credits), and they carry out comparative network society study project either individually or in pairs (learning outcomes 1, 2 and 5 for 7,5 credits).
Grading system
Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U).
Course literature and other teaching materials
Castells, M. (2004) Informationalism, Networks, and the Network Society: A Theoretical Blueprint. (http://annenberg.usc.edu/sites/default/files/2015/04/28/Informationalism,%20Networks%20and%20the%20Network%20Society.pdf)
Ess, C. (2013) Digital media ethics, 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Rainie, L and Wellmann, B. (2012) Networked: The New Social Operating System. Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press.
Additional readings will depend on student preferences and choices and will be made available in the beginning of the course.
Course evaluation
Written course evaluation carried out at the end of the course.
Contact
The education is provided by the Faculty of Culture and Society at the department School of Arts and Communication.