Media and History: Media-historical Perspectives on Politics, Science and Culture

The course provides an overview of a research field that brings together several disciplines with media as the common denominator. You will explore the intersection between media studies and history by examining how different media shape the way we present and understand history.

The concept of media is central here. You will study different types of historical sources as media, not only the more traditional mass media such as film, radio and television. You will broaden your perspective beyond traditional source criticism and challenge the view of the archive as a neutral repository of historical knowledge. You will examine media-historical theories and their potential for historical analysis.

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.

The teaching consists of seminars with elements of lectures and group work. You will read advanced course literature independently and discuss media-historical perspectives on politics, science and culture in groups. You are expected to take a position on how historians can work with the concept of media.

The course is suitable for students from various academic backgrounds and does not require previous studies in Media History. The formal entry requirements are at least 90 credits at undergraduate level in History, History of Ideas and Sciences or another historically oriented subject. The course can be taken as an independent advanced-level course or as part of the Master’s Programme in Historical Studies.

Students in the Master’s Programme in Historical Studies and exchange students have priority for admission.

All teaching is in English.

The course can be included in a general bachelor’s or master’s degree (one year or two). Media History is a valuable complement to subjects such as Journalism, Media- and Communication studies, Information studies, Art and Film studies, Sociology, Political science or Gender studies. 

Knowledge of Media History is useful in many professions, for example as a history teacher, media teacher, journalist, communicator, museum curator, librarian, publisher, archivist or investigator. You will learn to critically examine and evaluate communication – highly sought-after skills in today’s information society.

Entry requirements

Knowledge in English corresponding to the language requirements to meet the general entry requirements for Bachelor’s level studies and a bachelor course in history or the history of ideas and science, or another subject with a historical focus or equivalent knowledge.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

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 16,875
First payment: SEK 16,875

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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.