Course content

The course will focus on the framework for the development, use and societal relevance of social media. There will be an introduction and overview of fundamentals and theories of social media. Afterwards, the main focus will be on presenting current empirical findings on social media, with the aim of giving students a "toolbox" to perform specific analysis of current issues, e.g. in studies of textbased (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) and visual media (e.g., YouTube, Instagram), the presentation of self and identity, digital subcultures or echo chambers. The course will focus on a variety of themes and topics.

The term paper should be an independent study of a theme presented in the course, preferably with relevance for later use in a thesis.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student is supposed to:
-know the central discussion and current research on Social Media in an international context.
-know how to critically reflect on the changes brought about in the areas of social media.

Skills - the student is supposed to demonstrate the ability to:
-treat one of the themes addressed during instruction in an independent method through written work.

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. Please contact the department for further information.

Form of assessment: Individual paper

Compulsory assignments

• Framlegg

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