Course Objectives

The aim of this course consists in applying the subject’s perspective, and theory from the introductory course, to a particular area. In each specialisation course students will study a general interdisciplinary theme, from a historical, an aesthetic (e.g. literary) or interpretative sociological perspective. Teachers from various disciplines present interdisciplinary topics from their respective standpoints, and in this way emphasise the interdisciplinary approach.

Course Description

Students will study the development of media, the special characteristics of the various categories of the various media, particularly which modes of expression are common for the all media, and which particular for each category) and how the development of media influences the view of man, awareness and forms of culture. The course will adopt both a diachronic and a synchronic approach, using rhetorical and critical theory as a unifying reference. The following elements will be focused on:

• Speech, writing and image – media history
• Characteristics of the various media – with emphasis on their various functions and modes of expression
• The connection between medium and awareness – individualism and collective cultural patterns
• Media criticism – based on the rhetorical and humanist tradition

Learning Methods

Seminars, 3-6 hours per week in the spring semester.

Assessment Methods

Students must submit a term paper based on the syllabus material which counts for 20% of the final grade. For specialisation courses, students will hold a trial lecture of 40-45 minutes duration for one of the courses, and they will be orally examined in the other course. This assessment counts for 80% of the final grade of the specialisation course.

Candidates may select the specialisation course they intend to lecture on, but the term paper question is chosen by the department. The candidates must give notice when registering for the particular course what type of assessment they wish.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean