LFU:online

Graduates are enabled to question the tension between communication, media technologies and democracy. They are able to locate processes triggered by technological advances in terms of media history, to name their current specifics and to identify relevant fields of action.

Providing basic knowledge about theories and models of media dynamics and the complexity of social transformation processes associated with digitisation, medialisation, globalisation and individualisation.

Not only in the wake of the so-called "digital disruption" is it obvious: social conditions are far from unaffected by the state of affairs in media technology. Media theorist Marshall McLuhan understood the introduction of alphabetical writing, the printing press and electronic media as decisive upheavals which bring about fundamental reorganisations of society. The replacement of centralised mass media by the platforms of "Web 2.0" can be viewed in a similar manner. Through mobile devices and the "Internet of Things", "surveillance capitalism" (Shoshana Zuboff) is now penetrating ever more areas of our lives. How do perceptions, subjectivities, public spheres and power relations change in the course of such transformations in media technology?

Lecture with supplementary inputs by students

the assessment comprises

- presentation of work results in the plenum (current media-related questions and transfer of theoretical approaches presented in the course)

- a written exam or, alternatively, a paper on a question related to the course contents

will be announced in the first session

"Active bachelor's programme"

The minor “Media and Communication” covering 30 ECTS-Credits can be selected by degree students  of  Bachelor’s  programmes  at  the  University  of  Innsbruck,  providing  the  relevant curriculum allows for the option to pass a minor.