Contemporary issues and debates in media studies

The course aims to provide a broad understanding of the latest theoretical developments and research areas related to infrastructures in media and communication studies. The course covers the conceptual vocabulary of infrastructures, platforms, news organisations and generative AI in an increasingly globalised media landscape. Through a series of lectures, students deepen their understanding of algorithms, data typologies, audiovisual cultures, generative AI and metrics. Special emphasis is placed on media practices and online experiences, as well as digital behaviour and media effects, in relation to their underlying technological infrastructures. The course also provides an overview of the functions, affordances and structures of the most relevant social media platforms and enables students to critically analyse the data flows between them. Students learn to identify connections between datafication and processes of social sorting and categorisation, and engage in critical discussions about inequalities and their societal consequences. Students become familiar with current debates on generative AI, freedom of expression, gender and diversity. Instruction is in the form of lectures, workshops, seminars and supervised group assignments.

Progressive specialisation: G1F (has less than 60 credits in first‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Education level: Undergraduate level

Admission requirements: Enrolled in the courses MKGA90 Professional role, jurisprudence and ethics (7.5 credits), MKGA91 Media audiences in the digital age (7.5 credits), and MKGA92 Social media and social theory (7.5 credits), of which at least 10 credits must be completed, or enrolled in the course MKGB62 Strategic digital communication (30 credits), of which at least 10 credits must be completed. An equivalence assessment can be made.

Selection: Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.