Film and Converging Media, 7.5 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 should have

• solid understanding of how different historic circumstances and the ongoing media convergence influence production and consumption of moving images.

Competence and skills
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• lead discussions about research.

Judgement and approach
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• assess consequences of a changing media landscape.

Main content of the course

Today's media landscape can be characterized by convergence concerning production and distribution terms, content, technologies, and viewing practices. During the course these aspects are discussed in relation to theoretical concepts such as convergence, transmediality, and participation.

Teaching methods

Teaching can be made up of lectures, film screenings, and seminars.

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

Film and Media Convergence - Theory, 3 credits (Code: A001)
Written assignments and oral presentations.

Film and Media Convergence - Analysis, 4.5 credits (Code: A002)
Take-home exam.

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 two weeks 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).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. 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 reasons.

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

Film and Media Convergence - Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Film and Media Convergence - Analysis
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

On 13 November 2018, the Vice Chancellor admitted an exception from the U-G-VG grading scale in favour of the A-F grading scale. From the autumn semester 2019, the A-F grading scale may be applied on international courses and study programmes (ORU 2018/06084).

To pass the whole course, at least the grade E is required for each examination.
The letter grades A-E will be converted to numbers 5-1 and combined to an average grade, where the number of credits for each examination also are taken into account. A weighted average grade of the course modules will thus be reported for the whole course.
Grade A is reported if the grade average is at least 4.5.
Grade B is reported if the grade average is at least 3.5 but less than 4.5.
Grade C is reported if the grade average is at least 2.5 but less than 3.5.
Grade D is reported if the grade average is at least 1.5 but less than 2.5.
Grade E is reported if the grade average is less than 1.5.

Specific entry requirements

Media and Communication Studies, 30 Credits and/or Media and Communication Studies, Film Studies, 30 Credits.

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.

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

Jenkins, Henry (2008)
Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide
New York and London: New York University Press

Additions and Comments
Approximately 100 article pages will be added.