MJ4401 Media in war, crisis and conflict Course description

The media are influential in raising awareness and building knowledge of conflicts and wars, and increasingly also become part of/are used in various conflicts. This course brings together theory and practice to explore the possibilities and challenges involved in contemporary reporting of peace and conflict. Whereas new technologies mean increased surveillance and enhanced disinformation processes, they may also involve new possibilities for journalists covering crisis and conflict. The minority and gender dimensions of conflict reporting will be of particular interest to discussions of whose perspectives we actually get to hear or see through the news media. Parts of the course reflect upon how in times of war, crisis and conflict, the dangers;media workers are exposed to are more imminent than in ordinary times, and focus on what individuals and institutions can do to limit such dangers.

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has acquired knowledge of theories on media and conflict
• has acquired a deeper understanding of the role of media and journalism in conflict and crises, including how certain actors may use online disinformation to suppress human rights and undermine the trust to media
• has reached a deeper knowledge of the challenges for journalistic safety during crises and conflicts

Skills

The student

• can use appropriate theories and methods in journalism and media studies to analyze issues of conflict coverage and reveal various approaches to peace and conflict
• is able to communicate key issues in the research area media and conflict and the current challenges to and possibilities for quality crisis and conflict reporting
• can inspire colleagues and students to reflect on the importance of physical and digital safety and improve professional competence concerning the digital and physical safety of those who produce journalism accordingly

General competence

The student;

• is able to analyze professional and occupational issues in the field of media and conflict
• is well qualified to present academic as well as journalistic material and is able to give and receive constructive criticism and response

The course includes lectures, seminars and group work.; The course will be organized as two seminar weeks, with the following topics:

• General theories on media, crisis and conflicts
• War, peace and human rights
• Physical and digital safety when covering crises and conflicts

No course requirements.

For the main assessment, the students may choose one of two term papers.;

Either

• An analytic, theory-based paper of 12-15;pages within the thematic field of the course. Font and font size: Arial or Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.The topic can be freely chosen within the frames of the course and in agreement with the course supervisor.

Or

• A reportage selecting a topic within the general framework of the course in agreement with the course supervisor. The reportage has to be developed either in digital or print format (5-6 pages. plus photos), radio (7-8 minutes), TV (4 minutes) or photo (approximately 8 photos) followed by a reflection paper, 5-8 pages, discussing the textual material on a theoretical level supported by the course syllabus.;Font and font size reflection paper: Arial or Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

Both alternatives may be written in either English or Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language). For the reportage term paper, the student is encouraged to seek cooperation with a newsroom.;Both exam alternatives can be solved individually or in cooperation with one other student.;

The language is normally English.

Technologies, from the stone axe to the computer, have been integral in shaping;how we live, think, interact;and work.;Advances in;digitalization have;made digital competences;a significant factor in ensuring the employability of candidates in all professions vital to our society. Understanding;the benefits, the;limitations;and the transformative power;of technologies;on public and private life as well as;professional practice;is crucial.;

In this course, students will acquire the basic knowledge;needed to harness the potential of;digital technologies;and identify opportunities to use technology;to;foster inclusion,;active participation, and;sustainability;in society;and the workplace.;Through;individual reflection,;shared exploration;and group discussions, students will;gain;awareness;of;how technological developments might impact their future professions, and their role as citizens in an increasingly digitalized society.;;

This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge and means to become a responsible agent of change in their own profession and field of study.;Students will learn to recognise limitations, strengths and potentially disruptive consequences of technological innovation and grapple with the social, ethical and political issues that arise as technology becomes both increasingly complex and;essential to;the;function of society.;

No additional course-specific requirements.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge;

Upion successful completion of this course the student understands:;

• basic concepts, mechanisms and tools behind digitalization and how their use may constrain or enable;participation in society, work processes;and other aspects of everyday life;
• the role of technological innovation and development with regards to;health,;sustainable development, universal design, and privacy;
• the potential impact of digital technologies on;civic engagement;
• the;function;of technological infrastructure in;shaping;and;supporting society and the welfare state.;

Skills;

Upon successful completion of this course the student can:;

• evaluate and critically discuss the possibilities and challenges of technological solutions used in the profession(s) relevant to their field of study and present the arguments in a structured form;
• reflect on social, ethical and political consequences of technological change;specific challenges related to their field of study;
• provide examples of;local and;global technological disparity, both in general terms, and in relation to their field of study;
• apply critical and analytical tools and strategies to evaluate information, arguments, and theories,;in a structured manner;
• analyse;and interpret the processes by which information and disinformation is distinguished, disseminated and used;in different contexts.;

General Competence;

Upon successful completion of this course the student can:;

• discuss ethical, social and political challenges arising at the intersection of technology;and society;
• examine;contemporary, real-world cases from multiple perspectives;;
• evaluate the potential impact of new technologies;and digitalization processes;on an individual and societal level;
• understand the importance of user-oriented perspectives;in;the;use and development;of technology;
• communicate concepts and models related to the use of technology in a structured manner.;

The course uses a blended learning approach, with a combination of attendance-based seminars and digital learning materials. Students will explore real-world cases emerging at the intersection of society, technology and their future profession.

English will be the primary language of communication.