Course content

The course addresses key issues related to modern media and digitalization and offers analytical tools to enable the students to think critically on the importance of media development and digitalization for social organization. Over the last decade, we have seen a new wave of digitalization known as "deep digitalization". Various digital platforms, such as social media, search engines, streaming platforms, content aggregators and robots, have become key arenas for the development of media and society. Processes of digitalization affect all aspects of social life and social organization, from microphenomena such as identity formation and intimate relationships to macrophenomena such as economics, politics and social divisions. Naturally, issues related to digitalization and modern media have become part of most of the sub-fields of sociology, but often without having the tools to systematically reflect the relationship between the technological / material and the social aspects. SOS3520 enables the students to do just that. The course will present them to cand current and relevant research and to raise current topics and debates related to media development.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:
- acquire knowledge of international theory development in the field of modern media and digitalization, including the relationship between technological/material and social aspects
Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:
- systematically reflect on the importance of media development and digitalization for societal development, and reflect critically on the characteristics and importance of various digital platforms

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars. If few students attend the course in the first two weeks of teaching, the course will be given as an individual study course with supervision.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation and participation in exercises

Required previous knowledge

60 credits including SOS1002 or an equivalent course in research methods. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions