Media and Communication Studies: Network Society Studies
Summary
In Network Society Studies we focus on the idea of networks as society’s nervous system, and as essential to understanding the relationship between digital communication technologies and social and political change. Throughout the course, we work with a range of theoretical perspectives and analytical concepts for studying networks, networking and the network society from the perspective of media and communication studies.The course is built around lectures and a series of student-led seminars on different topic areas and theoretical perspectives related to the overall topic of the course. The course is therefore contingent on student’s active participation and production of seminar assignments each week.
We offer a blended learning environment with possibilities for students to attend classes on campus or online. All lectures and seminars are both livestreamed and archived online.
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
- Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries, Master's programme (Two-Year), 120/120 credits - Autumn 2018 elective course
- Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries, Master's programme (Two-Year), 120/120 credits - Autumn 2019 elective course
- Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries, Master's programme (Two-Year), 120/120 credits - Autumn 2020 elective course
Syllabus
Syllabus for students autumn 2021, autumn 2020, autumn 2019, autumn 2018
- Course Code:
- KK648A revision 2
- Level of specialisation
- A1F
- Main fields of study:
- No main fields
- Language:
- English
- Date of ratification:
- 29 May 2018
- Decision-making body:
- Faculty of Culture and Society
- Enforcement date:
- 03 September 2018
- Replaces Syllabus ratified:
- 18 October 2015
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
The purpose of this course is to present students with different theoretical perspectives and concepts for studying networks, networking and the network society from the perspective of media and communication studies. The course offers student the possibility to deepen their understanding of the role of ICTs in society and societal development and to critically discuss the strengths and limitations of various approaches to network society studies.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After completing this course, students shall
1) have an in-depth understanding of different perspectives on networks, networking and the network society from the perspective of media and communication studies;
2) demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the role of ICTs in contemporary societies and processes of social change.
Competence and skills
After completing this course, students shall
3) demonstrate the ability to formulate a research problem relevant to the theme of the course
4) demonstrate skills in theoretical and conceptual comparisons
5) demonstrate the analytical skills necessary for conducting an empirical study.
Judgement and approach
After completing this course, students shall be able to
6) critically assess assumptions related to theories of the network society
7) consider and apply research ethics to an empirical study on a topic relevant to the course content.
Learning activities
Learning activities consist of independent readings, lectures, seminars that take place on campus and online, and of written assignments based on empirical studies.
Assessments
Students are assessed through 1) written seminar assignments and peer-feedback (learning outcomes 1, 2 and 6) (7,5 ECTS), and 2) an exam-paper based on a small-scale empirical study conducted either individually or in pairs (learning outcomes 3, 4, 5 and 7) (7,5 ECTS)
Grading system
Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U).
Course literature and other teaching materials
Castells, M. (2007). Communication, Power and Counter-power in the Network Society. International Journal of Communication, 1, 238-266.
van Dijck, J. (2013) The culture of connectivity: A critical history of social media. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Townsend L. and Wallace, C. (2016) Social Media Research: A Guide to Ethics. Available at: http://www.dotrural.ac.uk/socialmediaresearchethics.pdf
Each term approximately 200 pages of additional readings connected to the interchangeable thematic strands are added. Further, students should independently identify and apply additional readings (of approximately 50 pages) relevant to the specific topic addressed in their individual exam paper.
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 School of Arts and Communication.