MEVIT4110 – Media panics
Course description
Course content
In the past decades different kinds of media panics have burst out, about - among other things - the impact of sex in videoclips, violence in games or the loneliness caused by heavy internet use. In this course, we will discuss these cases of media panic, analyses their similarities and differences, sand examine on the basis of academic research whether these panics are warranted. Mostly they are not, we therefore will also deconstruct the interests of different actors to raise these panics, and examine the social and psychological assumptions behind them.
Learning outcome
1. The student will have a deep knowledge and understanding about the structure of media panics;
2. The student will have a deep knowledge and understanding of the actors involved in media panics;
3. The student will have knowledge and understanding of the main academic approaches to media panics: the socio-psychological and the cultural studies approaches;
4. The student will be able to identify and recognize particular discourses in future media panics;
5. The student will have developed a interrogating and critical attitude towards media panics;
6. The student will be able to distinguish between media panics and media problems.
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.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Admission as MA student at selected programmes at the University of Oslo.
Recommended previous knowledge
The students are invited to browse Norwegian news sites and newspapers for recent examples about media panics, and bring these and related public debate to class, in particular with respect to sexualization, violence in games, dangers of internet use, and other matters students consider elevant.
Teaching
The lectures are all held in week 13 2009. Please see the course's semester page.
The course is conducted in an intensive format, and consists of lectures and discussions in the mornings, and small group assignments and feedback in the afternoons.
Examination
Home exam on a given topic over a period of 3 days. The submitted paper may be up to 10 pages (one page is calculated to 2300 characters without spaces).
Language of examination
It is possible to submit exams in English only.
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
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.