ZUR589j Current Reflection of New Media

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2014
Extent and Intensity
0/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Maria Bakardjieva (seminar tutor), doc. Mgr. Jakub Macek, Ph.D. (deputy)
Mgr. Jana Ježková (assistant)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Jiří Pavelka, CSc.
Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Ing. Bc. Pavlína Brabcová
Supplier department: Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Mon 14. 4. 13:30–17:00 M011, Tue 15. 4. 13:30–17:00 M011, Wed 16. 4. 13:30–17:00 M011, Thu 17. 4. 13:30–17:00 M011, Fri 18. 4. 13:30–17:00 M011
Prerequisites
SOUHLAS
The media environment of contemporary societies is undergoing substantial change. One of the key elements of this transformation is the use of new media by citizens, acting as individuals and groups, for putting out their concerns to the attention of the larger public and the policy-makers of their respective countries as well as the international community. The most glaring recent examples come from the Middle East. However, the capacity of citizens to mobilize new media for political discussion and action has been demonstrated in less ‘revolutionary’, but nevertheless profound ways in the rest of the world. Looking form the top down, states, municipalities and political institutions of all kinds have been at pains to make use of new media in fulfilling their mandates. They have strived to build new openness and accessibility into their existing practices. To what extent have these efforts resonated with citizens’ expectations and demands? Have they connected with the bottom-up impulses and trends described previously? Have they contributed to enhancing citizens’ participation in making the decisions that affect their lives? What uncertainties and challenges does this situation present? This course focuses on the concept of citizenship in a society characterized by the thorough penetration of digital information and communication technologies in all spheres of life. Citizenship, broadly defined, includes any form of democratic participation in social institutions – political, technological and cultural. How is such participation possible in a digital society? What opportunities for involvement do citizens have in a densely mediated polis? Can technological development itself be democratically steered? The goal of the course is to critically explore the new forms of democratic participation that the pervasive presence of digital media in contemporary societies affords and requires.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/20, only registered: 0/20, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The objective of this course is to allow students to formulate and investigate issues concerning the democratic opportunities, but also the challenges, that new media pose to citizens, civic organizations (such as NGOs) and public bodies. The course material to be presented and discussed in class will provide an introduction to various concepts and approaches that have been applied to the understanding of concrete developments in this area. Students will be expected to use this material along with their existing knowledge in Media Studies to articulate and frame a specific research topic and explore it with the help of additional readings and observations. The desired learning outcomes include improved academic research and writing competence, critical understanding of the role of new media in contemporary democracies and awareness of the choices faced by communication professionals. In contemporary society it is essential to understand the ways in which citizens can participate in all spheres of public life. Analytical and professional skills related to these processes could be an important asset to a graduating communication student.
Teaching methods
ecture 1, class exercises 1, in-class group presentation
Assessment methods
1. Research paper – mini case study: 6 pages double-spaced, 12 p, Times New Roman. 2. Group research and presentation (to be prepared before the start of the class using the required readings and additional sources identified by students). 3. In-class participation and response: Since this class will have a seminar format, in-class participation in the discussion through questions, statements, reflections, responses, examples and comments on other students’ presentations and thoughts is essential. Familiarity with the readings for each class session is a necessary condition for adequate class participation and will be taken into consideration in determining the participation grade. 4. In-class group exercises.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught only once.
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: 20 hodin blokově.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2015.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2014, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2014/ZUR589j