Opinions in a Mediatized Society. PR, Journalism and Public Opinion

The aim of the course is to acknowledge the role media and journalism play in democratic societies. The course focuses the importance of, and the linkage between, conditions for media production and media content. It furthermore elucidates structural factors regulating the role of media in the public sphere, and examines journalistic content from a discourse analysis perspective.

The course is built on lectures, academic exercises and seminars.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• account for different media systems in an international and historical context,
• describe the conditions for news production and the role of journalism in the public sphere,
• have a basic understanding of theories of power and democracy and how these can be used to analyse journalism and media content,

Competence and skills

• analyse how social power relations are manifested and reproduced in news texts,
• conduct a theoretically grounded discussion of the structural conditions for journalistic work and how this affects the role of the media in a democracy, and

Judgement and approach

• critically examine the development of contemporary journalism based on democratic principles.

The main teaching methods of the course are lectures, seminars and workshops.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through two compulsory assignments:

1. Discourse analysis of media content (group assignment, both oral and written presentation)
2. Individual assignment

Unless otherwise stated in the instructions, the department's "Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI in Media and Communication Studies at JMG" apply to all examinations for the course.

The number of examination sessions is limited to five for resource reasons. One regular examination, one re-examination in connection with the ongoing course and a third examination in connection with the summer break. After that, the student is referred to the next time the course is given.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To obtain the grade Pass for whole the course, the grade Pass both assessments is required. To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction for the whole course, Pass with Distinction on the individual course paper is also required.

If the course has been discontinued or major changes have been made a student is guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination occasion) during a time of at least one year from the last time the course was given.

A student who has failed a test twice has the right to change examiners, if it is possible. A written application should be sent in writing to the Head of Department.

The course coordinator guarantees that the students points of views are considered regularly and systematically at the end of the course. Results of course evaluations are communicated to previous and future students.

For more detailed information about the course, see the current study guide.