HFMK03075U CANCELLED FM, Module 4: Audience and user studies: Social media and political engagement

Volume 2015/2016
Education

Master in Film and Media Studies

Content

In recent years social media as a tool for political participation have sparked a broad interest across disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Events such as the 'Green Revolution' in Iran and the 'Arab Spring' show that they are more than a tool for entertainment. But what is the role of social media in participation and political engagement, and how can the rich data offered on diverse platforms and networks be studied? Drawing on these questions, the course will first address the popular concepts of civic/political engagement. Looking at the main ‘constituents’ – technology, users, and content – we then discuss the place of social media in the larger cultural and political contexts, while dealing with claims about their democratic potential. The course critically explores social media as a resource, presenting some techniques for gathering and analysing social media data. Iconic media like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube will serve as examples and provide case studies throughout the course.

 

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Critically assess participatory potentials of social media in specific cases, genres and relevant literature

  • Be able to reflect on social media usage within its larger political and cultural contexts

  • Have an understanding of different theoretical approaches to political engagement with social media

  • Define and design a research project involving social media.

  • Use appropriate techniques and methodologies for gathering and interpreting social media data

  • Critically evaluate content on different social media platforms, for political purposes

Learning Outcome

Film and Media Studies 2013, KA:
Module 4: Audience and user studies: HFMK03071E 
 

Course consists of lectures and class discussions of selected cases/problems, and student presentations.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 42
  • Course Preparation
  • 367,5
  • Total
  • 409,5
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Other
The exam will be conducted in English
Criteria for exam assesment