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Digital Media in Contemporary Society

Course developer

Prior knowledge

VadZ5001, Project Management

VadZ5054, Contract Theory

Course abstract

The study course provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of the use of digital media and platforms, integrates theoretical knowledge with the practical application of this knowledge in solving issues related to digital media and information literacy in project managment environment. In the study course, students acquire knowledge of the theories of digital media analysis and approaches to critical evaluation of information content.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Knows the nature, classification, and types of digital media and information and platform society. Has knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of digital media in project management. Is able to identify disinformation, fake news, and elements of information space protection (test).
Skills. Apply the acquired theoretical knowledge when discussing media content usage habits and public needs, media literacy and disinformation, elements of information space protection, understands the proportionality between the individual's right to data protection and the public's right to follow current events (discussion).
Competence. Ability to identify and analyze digital media and platform society developments, knows not only theoretical approaches and concepts, methodology in their analysis, but also knows how to apply them to solving problems related to digital media and information literacy. Ability to create a scientific report and present the results of the study (research report and its presentation during the exam).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Digital media and society. The social, cultural and political dimension of the digital society. Social and individual functions of digital media. (1 hour)
2. Digital literacy and media literacy. Concepts of media literacy and information literacy. Historical development of media literacy. Mass media usage studies. (1 hour)
3. The role of digital media in project management. Opportunities and limitations of digital media in project management. Media diversity formats, genres, authors, sources, themes, viewpoints and groups involved. Forms and types of digital public engagement. (1 hour)
4. Technological and digital progress in media development. Changes in media and communication platforms, social and communication relations, cultural and creative industry changes in the creation, distribution and consumption of media content. (1 hour)
5. Media and public relations ethics. Quality and responsibility of the media environment. Basic principles of Latvian media policy. Safety capability of the media environment. (1 hour)
6. Disinformation, manipulation and hate speech in the media environment. Critical analysis and separation of situations, opinions and facts. Fake news. False reports and manipulatively disseminated information. (2 hours)
7. Data protection and processing of personal data in the media environment. Proportionality between the individual's right to data protection and the public's right to follow important events. (1 hour)
8. Nature, types and classification of platform society. An ecosystem of platforms. Areas of the Platform Society. Health Care. Education. Transport. (1 hour)
9. Legal regulation of mass media. The framework of legal regulation and the competence of law enforcement authorities and the development of legal acts. (1 hour)
10. Media literacy challenges and research directions. Big data analysis, the impact of artificial intelligence on the development of media literacy and platform society. The Platform Society and the Internet of Things. Recommendations developed by international organizations for the development of media literacy (UNESCO, Council of the European Union). (2 hours)

Topics and content of practical work and seminars (12 hours)
1. The social, cultural and political dimension of the digital society. (2 hours)
2. Opportunities and limitations of digital media in project management. (1 hour)
3. Media content usage habits of Latvian citizens and society's needs. (1 hour)
4. The role of media literacy and disinformation. Media literacy as an element of information space protection. (1 hour)
5. Proportionality between a person's right to data protection and society's right to follow important events. (1 hour)
6. Quality, ethics and responsibility of the media environment. Basic principles of Latvian media policy. Safety capability of the media environment. (2 hours)
7. Fake news. False reports and manipulatively disseminated information. The complications of using big data. (2 hours)
8. Recommendations developed by international organizations in the development of media literacy. Media literacy and information literacy. (2 hours)

Part-time distance learning:
All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam. The final assessment is cumulative on the following topics and tasks: 1) Concepts of digital media and information literacy, the nature of the platform society, their classification and types. Possibilities and limitations of digital media in project management (test – 40%), 2) Discussion on digital media content usage habits and public needs, media literacy and disinformation, elements of information space protection, proportionality between the individual's right to data protection and the public's right to follow important events (practical work – 20%), 3) Exam: ability to identify and analyze developments in digital media and platform society, familiarity not only with theoretical approaches and concepts, methodology in their analysis, but also ability to apply them to solving problems related to digital media and information literacy (exam – 40%).

Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Literature studies, preparation for the exam, preparation of the report on previous research.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students must prepare for the test (40%), successfully complete practical work (20%), and ability to identify and analyze developments in digital media and platform society (exam - 40%). 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point assessment scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Athique A. Digital media and society: an introduction. Cambridge: Polity, 2013. 295 p.
2. Caliandro A., Gandini A., Qualitative Research in Digital Environments. London: Routledge, 2016. 240 p.
3. Comunello F., Mulargia S. Social Media in Earthquake-Related Communication: Shake Networks. UK: Emerald Publishing Limited. 2018 Pieejams LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=1f124df7-9763-3e67-abd4-ac313d4f9311
4. Griffin M.M. Social Media: Influences on Education. 2021. Pieejams
LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=4e1c3a94-15c9-3217-a712-8c8e7eb03b17
5. Irwin N.S. Digital Media: Human–Technology Connection. 2016. Pieejams LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=8c5113ed-2b2c-3fe6-aa9e-b7a72fe8b21a

Further reading

1. Freibergs V. Mapping Media Literacy in Latvia: National summary. In: European Audiovisual Observatory. Mapping of media literacy practices and actions in EU-28 Strasbourg: European Audiovisual Observatory. 2016, p. 274–284. Pieejams: https://rm.coe.int/1680783500
2. Rožukalne A., Skulte I., & Stakle A. Media Education in the Common Interest: Public Perceptions of Media Literacy Policy in Latvia. Central European Journal of Communication, 2020, 13(2), 202–229. Pieejams: https://science.rsu.lv/en/publications/media-education-in-the-common-interest-public-perceptions-of-medi
3. Rohlinger D.A. (ed.), Sobieraj S. (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Digital Media Sociology. New York: Oxford University Press. 2020. 744. p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Nacionālā elektronisko plašsaziņas līdzekļu padome. Medijpratības datu bāze. Pieejams: https://medijpratiba.neplp.lv/
2. EPALE - Eiropas pieaugušo mācīšanās elektroniskā platforma, Pieejams: https://epale.ec.europa.eu/lv/tagi/medijpratiba

Notes

Elective study course in the ESAF academic bachelor's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration"