Course content

The study of literacies differs and changes with regard to theoretical and methodological perspectives. In the present course, we will pay attention to dilemmas, tensions, challenges and changes that can be identified in studies of literacies in relation to digital media. To illustrate what could be seen as multimodal and dynamic aspects of literacies, the focus will be directed to media literacy practices and related to phenomena such as learning, identity, and agency. Within sociocultural perspectives, it has been claimed that literacy is situated. This raises a range questions: What is literacy? Can literacy be any kind of competence with regard to reading, understanding and writing texts in its broad sense? Different prefixes put to ‘literacy’ indicate that this is the case. These are, for instance, digital literacy, media literacy, visual literacy, information literacy, and multi-literacy. Viewing literacy as situated has actualised notions such as time, place and mobility. So, how can we capture literacy practices that appear across sites and activities? How can literacy practices be understood and studied as simultaneously multisite and situated phenomena? These are some of the dilemmas and challenges that will be discussed in this course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Has advanced knowledge on theoretical foundations and methodological approaches within the field of digital media and literacy

Skills: Can formulate relevant research questions and carry out research on digital media literacy practices Can assess the relevance, potentials and challenges of literacy approaches in research on digital media

General competence: Can carry out his/her research with scholarly integrity Can communicate research and contribute to the development of new knowledge and new methods within the field of digital media and literacy

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars, paper and presentations.

Compulsory assignments

• Attending lectures is compulsory

Further on evaluation

Participation at all lectures, paper and paper presentation. The paper has to be handed within three weeks after the teaching is completed. The length of the paper should be 10-12 pages. The research question(s) and the discussions have to be within the frame of the course and relate to the course literature. E-mail the paper to pal.aarsand@ntnu.no. Grades: Approved/not approved

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

Priorty is given to students who have been admitted to PhD

Course materials

Approximately 500-600 pages

Credit reductions