About This Course
Course Description
The course introduces students to certain key theoretical concepts, approaches and debates concerning the understanding and critical analysis of the role of new media in contemporary society. It combines an analytical perspective, that sheds light on some crucial aspects, functions and uses of new media, with a historical perspective, that places new media within a broader understanding of technology and its relationship to culture and social change. The course explores some major research areas in a way that prioritizes interdisciplinarity, grounded on on-going research rather than abstract theorizing, innovative and critical thinking about current issues and challenges, as well as the value of combining quantitative and qualitative perspectives.
Course Objectives
- Understanding of the central concepts, approaches and debates concerning new media
- Critical assessment of new media theories and research approaches
- Effective use of new media theories and research approaches in the understanding and analysis of contemporary social issues, problems and changes
- Ability to contribute to debates regarding major dimensions and problems of new media, e.g. hybridity, communication, interactivity, participation, connectivity, privacy, memory, access, politics etc.
Learning Outcomes
- Define core concepts and approaches in the study of new media
- Compare and contrast the different new media theories and research approaches
- Effectively apply them in the analysis of specific contemporary issues and phenomena
- Becoming aware of the complex interrelationship and interaction between technology, society and culture
Class/Learning activities
Lectures, in-class presentations and debates, independent study, individual essays.
Workload
Type of work | Description | Hours |
Lectures | thirteen 3-hours lectures | 39 |
Independent study | Study of class materials and readings | 50-60 |
Readings in-class presentation | Presenting & leading a discussion on a given topic | 25-30 |
Essay outline in-class presentation | Conference type presentation of essay outline | 25-30 |
Research essay | 5.000 words written assignment | 100-110 |
Total workload | 239-269 |
Assessment
Type of assessment | Learning outcome | Impact on final grade | Date of assessment |
Participation in in-class discussions | 1-4 | 10% | On a regular basis |
In-class presentation of course readings | 1-3 | 10% | Weeks 2 – 12 |
In-class presentation of essay outline | 2-4 | 10% | Week 13 |
Research essay | 2-4 | 70% | Week 15 |
Required Reading
- Holmes, D. (2005). Communication Theory: Media, Technology and Society. London: Sage
- Lister, M., J. Dovey, S. Giddings, I. Grant & K. Kelly (2009). New Media. A Critical Introduction. London/N. York: Routledge (2nd ed.).
- Jenkins, H., M. Ito & D. Boyd (2016). Participatory Culture in a Networked Era. Cambridge: Polity.
Suggested Reading
- Castells, M. 2009. Communication Power. Oxford: Oxford University Press
- Chadwick, A 2013. The Hybrid Media System. Politics and Power. Oxford: Oxford University Press
- Christakis, N. & J. Fowler (2009). Connected. The Surprising Power of Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives. New York: Little, Brown & Co
- Manovich, L. (2013). Software Takes Command. London: Bloomsbury
- Van Dijk, J. (2013). The Culture of Connectivity. A Critical History of Social Media. Oxford: Oxford University Press.