HIVK03003U Information and Cultural Studies’ Theories and Traditions

Volume 2014/2015
Content

“Introduction, exploration, and examination of the theoretical traditions that constitute the foundation of information studies and cultural communication.  This foundation is explored and examined through concepts such as language, knowledge, communication, information, interpretation, culture, learning, media, and modernity with an eye to the philosophical traditions and research practices the concepts are part of.  The traditions and concepts are further examined with examples from information and cultural studies.  The course provides students with an understanding of the breadth and plurality of information and cultural studies and analytical skills to contextualize research in information and culture in the broader scholarly traditions.”

Learning Outcome

The objective of the module is to provide the student with

knowledge and understanding of:

  • Information and cultural studies as an interdisciplinary research field.
  • Central concept and theory formation within information and cultural studies.

 

skills in:

  • Defining and describing selected concepts, traditions or theories within information and cultural studies.
  • Assessing selected concepts, traditions or theories and their mutual relations.

 

competences in:

  • Discussing and analysing concepts, traditions and theories in scientific-historical and scientific-theoretical contexts.
  • Analysing and reflecting on the significance and influence of concepts, traditions and theories within information and cultural studies.
Examples of literature that will be used in the course:
  • Bates, M. J. (2005). An introduction to metatheories, theories, and models. I: Fisher, K. E., Erdelez, S. & McKechnie, L. (eds.). Theories of information behavior. Medford, NJ: Information Today. (Pp. 1-24). (In Absalon)
  • Descartes, René: Discours de la Méthode (1637). Engelsk oversættelse:  Discourse on Method.  Part III og Part IV. The Harvard Classics.  www.bartleby.com/​34/​1/​3.htlm
  • Kjørup, Søren (2006): Another Way of Knowing: Baumgarten, Aesthetics, and the Concept of Sensuous Cognition. Bergen: KHIB.
  •  Gadamer, Hans-Georg (1960): Part I: Transcending the aesthetic dimension. In: Truth and Method (1975/2004). Sheed & Ward Ltd and the Continuum Publishing Group.

 

 

Lectures, exercises, workshops
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 45
  • Exam
  • 120
  • Preparation
  • 245,8
  • Total
  • 410,8
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Examination form: Written paper with subject chosen by the student
Examination language(s): English
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Exam period
Winter 2014/2015
Re-exam
Same as the ordinary eksamen, February 2015