Media, Communication and Sustainable Development, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course is about media, communication and journalism and its significance for sustainable development in society, both locally and globally.
 
The course offers a broad knowledge base when it comes to relevant theoretical perspectives in the area and illustrates what role(s) media, communication and journalism can play when it comes to sustainable development and social change. The students practice their ability to apply the knowledge in both critical analysis and planning of communication within specific fields of their own choice that relates to both United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, and media, communication, journalism or citizen engagement.
 
This is one of the profile courses at the Faculty of Arts.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
 
After completing the course the student should be able to:

• describe and independently discuss different perspectives on sustainable development including United Nation's Sustainable Developments Goals (Agenda 2030),
• describe and independently discuss central scientific concepts and theories about media, communication and journalism in relation to sustainable development and social change.

 
Skills and abilities
 
After completing the course the student should be able to:

• showcase ability to critically review and analyse examples of communication aimed for sustainable development like campaigns, journalistic features etcetera,
• apply communication theories and previous research when planning a specific intervention within media, communication or journalism aimed for sustainable development.

 
Judgment and approach
 
After completing the course the student should be able to:

• present critical analysis and own suggestions and arguments rooted in scientific reasoning in a clear and consistent way with a correct use of language.

Required Knowledge

Bachelor of Arts (180 ECTS) or 90 ECTS including an independent scientific work of at least 15 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A.

Form of instruction

Teaching takes place online and consists of seminars, group exercises, self-study, supervision and writing assignments. The student is entitled to supervision only during the period covered by the course. In cases where attendance at lectures and exercises is compulsory, i.e. of an examining nature, this is specified in the schedule.
For those who are registered for a course and have a disability, there are resources for special support. For more information, contact the Student Center.

Examination modes

The course is examined continuously through assignments, participation in mandatory seminars, and individual exams. Group assignments and seminars are graded with Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). Individual essays (final exam) are graded with Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd), Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). To pass an individual 7,5 ECTS module (min. grade G (Pss)) all mandatory parts are required, and the individual essay(s) must have received the grade G. To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for a module, all mandatory parts are required (grade G), and the individual essay(s) must have received the grade VG.
For each examining part of the course there is a regular examination given with a second reexamination within two months after the regular examination. For examinations performed in May and June, the first reexamination are offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition to this, a third reexamination is given within a year after the end of the course. Those who have passed the test may not undergo a re-test for higher grades.

 A student who does not fully meet the objectives of an examination but is close to the limit for a passing grade can, after a decision by the examiner, be given the opportunity to supplement in order to achieve the examination assignment's criteria for a passing grade. Completion of the examination must be adapted individually based on the goal(s) not achieved by the student and must take place within two weeks after the students have been notified of the examination results, but before the next examination opportunity. It is only permitted to supplement an unsuccessful result to pass, supplementation for higher grades is not permitted. If the student so wishes, he/she has the right to carry out a re-examination and thus have the opportunity to receive a higher grade than passed.

Deviations from the form of examination in the course plan can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to disabilities. Individual adjustment of the examination form shall be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the course plan. After a request from the student shall the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, quickly decide on the adjusted form of examination. The decision is then to be reported to the student.

To pass the course, all exams and compulsory parts must be passed. The grade constitutes a summary assessment of the results in the various parts of the examination and is only set when all compulsory parts have been approved.
Students who are registered for a course and have registered credits in Ladok on the course have the right to be examined on the course and its components up to two years after the first registration date. The student may take an examination a maximum of / at least five times on each part. Students who have twice failed an examination have the right to request another examiner from the Faculty of Arts Board

Transfer of credits
The student who wishes to take advantage of education obtained at another department or university (Swedish / foreign) must do so in the order described in Tillgodoräknandeordning vid Umeå universitet (Dnr. 545-3317-02).
The application for credit must be made in writing. The application must state which element or course the application refers to. Certified copies of course certificates or equivalent, stating the university, time, subject affiliation, level, points and grades must be attached. In addition, the syllabus, including bibliography for the courses referred to and, where applicable, essay work, must be attached.

Other regulations

In a degree, this course may not be included together with another course with similar content. In case of doubt, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Cultural and Media Studies