ASOB05018U Media Sociology

The aim is to explore the theoretical foundations of mediasociologi from a present day perspective. Do the changes in the social formation concerning technology, social institutions and media organizations require a new way of thinking about the culture and the shaping of identity? Focus will be on changes in the relationship between the Public and Private sphere, the concept of Ideology, its origins - and if it is still a viable option when analysing social domination within the media. The main classical and new approaches will be examined and discussed. on the basis of original literature: Marx , Adorno, Gramsci, Habermas, McLuhan, Kellner and others The concept of the course stems from a wish to analyze the media form a critical perspective. The course will examine some of the ways that media intersects with political and social struggle that shapes everyday life. Furthermore we will explore how media provides forms for ideological domination and helps reproduce forms of power and at the same time provides material for the construction of identities and for empowerment, resistance and struggle.