MOK2300 Information, Communication and Social Media Course description

The topic is compulsory in the 4th semester of the Bachelor Programme, and is one of the courses exchange students may choose. Tuition is in English.

The course provides an introduction to the theories and concepts of information and communication used in the public and private sectors.

No prior knowledge requirements

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

• knows about a selection of concepts and theories used in analyzing information, communication and social media
• knows about how some media policy issues are associated with information, communication and social media
• knows about ways in which companies collect, analyse and use data

Skills

The student

• can apply insights from research and development to practical and theoretical use
• can identify, define and discuss relevant concepts for analysing social media
• can analyze and reflect critically on the roles and responsibilities of information, communication and social media professionals

General competence

The student

• can communicate and present in public, in oral and written form, a key selection of concepts or theories related to information, communication and social media
• is updated on emerging developments in the fields of information, communication and social media

The course lasts one semester, and consists mainly of lectures, group work and self-tuition of syllabus. The course place emphasis on drawing on knowledge from contemporary research articles and books helping students develop scholarly knowledge. The group work is linked with themes from lectures and syllabus.

The teaching takes place in person, on campus. In some cases, it may be relevant for the course coordinator and external guest lecturers to hold digital lectures and seminars.

As coursework requirements, two short individual papers are completed during the semester, each approximately 500-750 words (2 or 3 pages). All papers must be written in English.

The papers are submitted within a settled deadline. One of the papers must also be presented orally in English as a short address (approximately 5-10 minutes) to participants, supported by use of audiovisual equipment (PowerPoint, web pages, film / video).

The overall purpose of the coursework requirements, in the form of two individual assignments and an oral presentation, is to advance knowledge about the field and skills in academic thinking, reflection and writing that is essential for successfully completing the course term paper.

All coursework requirements must be completed by the given deadline and approved before the student may deliver their term paper. Students failing to deliver assignments on time or get pass will have 1 opportunity to submit again for consideration during the semester.

Individual, written term assignment: During the semester, every student must complete an individual term assignment of about 3,500-4,000 words (10-12 pages). Font and font size: Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5. The assignment must be written in English and contain systematic academic referencing using APA style.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F

The term papers are assessed by an internal examiner or an internal examiner together with an external examiner. A randomized extract of at least 25% of the answers is assessed by two examiners. The results of this extract form the basis for setting the level of the rest of the exams.

Oscar Westlund