MEVIT3531 – Music and Media - Nordic trends
Course content
The field of music has radically changed since the turn of the millennium in every regard, including distribution, consumption, listening practices, production, business models, the relationship between live and recorded music, and more. Digitalization plays a central role in all these changes, and the Nordic countries have in several respects been forerunners in the development and adoption of new music technology.
Through the course students will become acquainted with a variety of analytical, theoretical and historical approaches to understanding production, distribution, and consumption of music.
The course gives an introduction to
- technological mediation of music
- relationships between technology and culture
- algorithms and editorial processes in music services
- business models and economics in the music industry
- changing relationships between artists and audiences
The focus of the course is on recent trends in the Nordic region, particularly in Norway and Sweden, and on factors influencing music cultures there (e.g., infrastructure, economy, trust in technology). The situation in the Nordic region will be contextualized in light of other music cultures and usage of technology.
Learning outcome
After completion of this course, you will be able to:
- critically reflect on the role of technology in music production, diffusion and consumption
- recognize and describe key characteristics and developments in the everyday use of music media in the Nordic region, particularly in Norway and Sweden
- critically reflect on sociocultural, economic, technological and human factors contributing to stability and change
- evaluate and critically reflect on business models, innovation processes, funding and revenue share models in the music business
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Teaching
Coursework will consist of lectures, seminar discussions, in-class presentations based on case-study approaches and ongoing portfolio work. The lectures and seminars will highlight central analytical and theoretical ideas, emerging trends, and debates as explored through the readings and case studies. Field trips to companies and start-ups will also be part of the teaching, and students are expected to both prepare for and participate in Q&A sessions during these visits. We highly recommend that you follow both lectures and seminars, as you will not be able to pass the course without following at least some parts of the teaching, particularly seminars assigned to working on the group assignment.
In addition to reading and making good use of the curriculum, students will be expected to contribute to seminars by providing case-study examples and recommendations for relevant texts and other resource material.
10 study points involve seven weeks of full time studies, spread out through the semester.
The course will admit a maximum of 25 students (due to field trips). The course may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students apply.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
This course has a three-part examination, in which all three parts will form the basis for the total grade for the course. You must receive a passing grade (A-E) on all three exams in order to pass the course.
The exams are weighted as follows:
- Individual literature review (2-3 pages). This exam is completed in the first third of the semester. This exam counts for t30% of the final grade.
- Group assignment analysing a music business case (10-20 pages). This assignment will run through most of the semester, and be handed in the last third of the semester. The group assignment counts for 40% of the final grade.
- Individual school exam (2 hours) (digital exam) This is the last exam, completed at the end of the semester. This exam counts for the final 30% of the grade.
Written examination
The written examination is conducted in the digital examination system Inspera. You will need to familiarize yourself with the digital examination arrangements in Inspera.
Read more about written examinations using Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in to the Section of Studies minimum three working days before the exam, for the check. Contact Section of Studies well in advance if you have questions.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.