Course syllabus

Media, Communication and Sustainability, 7.5 credits

Course code: MK049G Credits: 7.5
Main field of study: Media and Communication Studies Progression: GXX
Last revised: 13/03/2024    
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 29/11/2022 Reading list approved: 13/03/2024
Valid from: Autumn semester 2024 Revision: 2

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of the course, the student shall have

  • knowledge of public debate and scientific discourses about sustainability, particularly in, and in relation to media.

Skills and Abilities
On completion of the course the student shall

  • have basic knowledge of ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability with a focus on media and communication practices.

Content

The course examines different dimensions of sustainability – ecological, social, and economic – from perspective in Media and Communication Studies. This can include media’s materiality and ecological footprints, sustainable journalism, greenwashing in marketing, art and the Anthropocene, and gender and working conditions in the media industry.

Examinations and grades

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).


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 determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

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

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

Modes of assessment

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Written and oral presentations, and participation in seminars and workshops.

Comments on modes of assessment
Examination deadline
An examination shall be carried out at the time decided by the university. If an examination, which involves that the student can do the assignment in another place than in the university's premises (for example take-home examination), can not be submitted on time, the examiner decides how the examination shall be handled.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade on the examination may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments must be carried out according to the teacher’s instructions and submitted to the teacher within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements for university studies.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

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.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Starosielski, Nicole & Walker, Janet (lastest edition).
Sustainable Media. Critical Approaches to Media and Environment
New York: Routledge

Additions and Comments
Journal articles and various online material.