Analysing Media and Communication, 15 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed studies, the student shall show

• knowledge of the scientific and methodological key concepts and how these are used in quantitative and qualitative research, and
• increased knowledge of how meanings are created in text and context.

Skills and Abilities
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• define a research problem and formulate research questions,
• apply relevant methods to analyze a research problem,
• draw conclusions from their own studies and reflect on their contribution to the subject, and
• work together with other students and communicate knowledge effectively, both orally and in writing.

Evaluation and Approach
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• critically review and evaluate media texts,
• argue how a particular theory and method are suitable for their own research project, and
• evaluate researchers' and students' texts from the following criteria: Aim / research questions, the suitability of theories and methods, study design, conclusions, and contributions to new knowledge.

Main content of the course

The course aims to identify and analyze problems relating to communication theory. The course contains scientific methodology, the relationship theory-method, the formulation of scientific problems, research design, different types of selection and generalizability, validity and reliability. Content analysis and methods for text analyses are trained in practical assignments. The students also practice their abilities to write scientific texts.

Teaching methods

Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures, seminars, work-shops, group work and excercises.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Methodology and Research Methods, 3 credits (Code: A005)
Digital Examination.

Quantitative Study, 6 credits (Code: A002)
Quantitative study, defence and opposition.

Qualitative Study, 6 credits (Code: A003)
Qualitative study, defence and opposition.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Examination deadline
If the deadline for the examination is exceeded, the examiner will decide how the examination should be conducted and, when applicable, set the timeframe for it.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade for the course may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments should be submitted to the lecturer within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Methodology and Research Methods
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Quantitative Study
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Qualitative Study
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To pass the whole course, at least the grade E is required for each examination.
Grades A-E are converted to numbers 5-1. A weighted average mark is then generated based on the module credits of each part of the course. The full course grade is thus the result of a balanced average of the different parts of the course.

Grade A is given when the average mark is at least 4.5.
Grade B is given when the average mark is at least 3.5 but lower than 4.5.
Grade C is given when the average mark is at least 2.5 but lower than 3.5.
Grade D is given when the average mark is at least 1.5 but lower than 2.5.
Grade E is given when the average mark is lower than 1.5.

Specific entry requirements

30 Credits in Social Sciences or Humanities.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

This course cannot be included in a degree in combination with the course Media and Communication Studies, Intermediate Course, 30 Credits.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Bryman, Alan (most recent edition)
Social Research Methods
Oxford: Oxford University Press

Ledin, Per & Machin, David (2018)
Doing visual analysis. From theory to practice
London: Sage Publications Ltd

Additions and Comments
Research articles, online material and/or literature compendium of about 300 pages may be added, and video tutorials from LinkedIn Learning.