History: The Rise of the Modern Media Society, 1850-1940

The course explores how the press changed in the late 19th-century and first half of the 20th century. You will explore how journalism emerged as a profession and influenced public opinion, how different forms of advertising shaped mass consumption, and how radio and film were used for propaganda during the two world wars.

You will learn how infrastructure influenced the forms and content of mass communication. The focus is on the rise of the telegraph, the expansion of the railway network and other news distribution systems, and how these developments shaped our view of the modern nation state. You will also learn how a museum can function as a medium. 

To understand how communication affects society, you will explore what media is – and can be. You will also read about how the subject has been defined by media historians. Communication through text, sound and image is discussed in relation to economic, political, cultural, and social change. The course is based on a broad concept of media and the idea that different media forms must be understood in relation to one another.

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.

Teaching combines lectures with group work, discussions and presentations. You will practise your writing and analytical skills through assignments and discussion forums.

You will do a lot of reading and work with historical source material to understand how different media can give us insights into social development. The course includes a study visit to a museum.

You will also develop your writing skills and practise oral presentations. 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.

Prerequisites

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.