MEVIT4322 – Controversies surrounding media and identities
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
Drawing on recent research and on-going public debates, this course addresses controversial and difficult issues tied to identities, representation, and diversity in media studies. One of the most significant is the representation of minorities and marginalized groups in journalism and news media. Studies across the world have shown that media hierarchies and news values lead to overshadowing and marginalisation of ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups, often reinforcing processes of silence and invisibility imposed by past injustices. Over the past decades, there has however been increasing recognition of the consequences and effects of unjust state policies, colonialism and racism. For example, on 28 March 2023, following several years of investigative journalism into its own history, the Scott Trust, owner of The Guardian, a British liberal newspaper with a global audience, issued a public apology for its links to slavery and announced a programme of restorative justice. This is one example of how the history and current practices of journalism and (news) media are deeply intertwined with histories of colonialism and past injustices. The course investigates theories and recent research on such issues in journalism and media, focusing particularly on the role of journalism in thematizing and reporting on commissions of inquiry. This autumn, 2023, MEVIT4322 will address journalism and the Commissions of inquiries into past and present injustices, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Norway (2018-2023) and the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (RCIRCSA 2013-2017).
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- Know central debates concerning media, journalism and post/neo-colonialism
- Have in-depth knowledge of concepts and theories in the field relevant for analysing these debates
Skills
- Be able to present and explain fundamental theories and concepts relevant in the study of journalism, colonialism and post-colonialism
- Be able to identify and critically analyse current and new conflicts and controversies in journalism and media studies
General competencies
- Be able to communicate research to the general public and specialists
- Be able to identify and analyse controversial issues
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester?register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
- 3 credits overlap with HFIMK9003 – Controversies surrounding media and identities.
Teaching
The teaching consists of two two-day workshops. Everyone is also expected to develop individual projects and work independently between meetings.
Attendance is expected at all workshops: you are part of a learning community, and the point of the workshops is to learn from teachers and fellow students, be inspired, let your knowledge and opinions be challenged and get feedback on your work. Students are also required to participate actively in class discussions. Attendance, staying informed, and engagement with the teacher, fellow students, and the course material are expected for you to get the most out of the course and to be able to do your best in the final exam.
The course is offered at two levels jointly, in this case, both at Master's and Ph.D. levels. There will be both master's students and Ph.D. candidates at the workshops.
Mandatory activities:
- Your topic, research questions, and syllabus must be approved
- Attendance is mandatory (at least 75%)
Syllabus:
We will set up a proposal for a syllabus of 500 pages. These will be academic books or articles. Some non-academic texts or other types of material may be added to the syllabus. In consultation with the course teacher, students may choose parts of this syllabus.
Examination
The exam consists of a paper analysing a self-selected controversy. The student may work in groups (2-3) or individually.
Mandatory activities must be passed in order to take the exam.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.