History: Old and New Media after 1940

In this course, you will explore the technologies that transformed communication after the Second World War. You will explore the rise of television, the spread of digital media, and the big shifts in journalism and film. You will also look at how advertising and new media forms changed society.

You will learn what “media” really means – and how it has been defined by media historians. You will discuss ideas from some of the most influential media theorists of the late 20th century. Text, sound and image are studied in relation to economic, political, cultural and social change. The course takes a broad view of media and shows how different media forms connect and influence each other.

The course is taught at the Department of History. The course is given as a full-time course (daytime) on campus. The course is a free-standing course for beginners. This course is part of the introductory course in Media History.

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

Expect a mix of lectures, group work, discussions and presentations. You will practise writing and analysis through assignments and discussion forums.

You will read a lot and work hands-on with source material to see how media can reveal social change. You will particularly explore microfilm and digitised newspapers as both historical and modern sources.

Along the way, you will improve your writing and build confidence in speaking.

All teaching is in English.

This course can be included in a first or second-cycle degree alongside your main subject. Media History is a good complement to subjects like Journalism, Media and Communication Studies, Information Science, Art and Film Studies, Sociology, Political Science or Gender Studies.

Media History is useful in many careers – for example, history or media teacher, journalist, communications officer, museum curator, librarian, publisher, archivist or researcher. Today, historical knowledge is in demand. You will also learn to think critically about communication – a skill that’s highly valued in today’s information society.

Entry requirements

General requirements

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 15,625
First payment: SEK 15,625

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.