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Media Literacy and Platform Society

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the use of critical media and digital platforms, to integrate theoretical knowledge with the practical application of this knowledge in solving issues related to media literacy and information literacy in a globalized, digital and mediated environment. During the study course students acquire knowledge about theories of media content analysis and approaches to critical evaluation of information content.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Knows media literacy and platform society main concepts, has knowledge of the nature, classification and types of platform society (Test 1); knowledge of the stages of technological and digital media development, misinformation, false news, elements of protection of the information space (Test 2).
Skills. Ability to explain and discuss the habits of using media content and the needs of the society, media literacy and disinformation, elements of protection of information space (Discussion 1); Ability to discuss and orientate in the basic principles of data protection, understands the proportionality between the individual's right to data protection and the public's right to follow important events (Discussion 2). Competence. Ability to create a scientific report of a specific topic and present the results of research (report and its presentation during exam).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Media literacy and society. (1 hour)
2. Concepts of media literacy and information literacy. (1 hour)
3. Technological and digital progress in media development. (2 hours)
4. Media diversity. (2 hours)
5. Media and public relations ethics. (1 hour)
6. Misinformation, manipulation and hate speech in the media environment. (2 hours)
7. Data protection and processing of personal data in the media environment. (1 hour)
8. The nature, types of platform society and their classification. (2 hours)
9. Legal regulation of mass media. (2 hours)
10. Challenges of modern media literacy and research directions. (2 hours)

List of seminar topics (16 hours)

1. The social, cultural and political dimension of the digital society. (2 hours)
2. The role and impact of media literacy on the development of the state and society. (2 hours)
3. Usage habits of the Latvian population and the needs of the society. (2 hours)
4. The role of media literacy and misinformation. Media literacy as an element of information space protection. (2 hours)
5. Proportionality between the individual's right to data protection and the public's right to follow significant events. (2 hours)
6. Quality, ethics and responsibility of the media environment. Basic principles of Latvian media policy. Reliability of the media environment. (2 hours)
7. Fake news. False reports and manipulative dissemination. Difficulties in using big data. (2 hours)
8. Recommendations developed by international organizations in the development of media literacy. Media literacy and information literacy. (UNESCO, Council of the European Union). (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 media literacy and information literacy, nature of platform society, their classification and types. (Test 1 - 20%); 2) Technological and digital progress in the development of media, the role of media literacy and its impact on the development of the state and society. (Test 2 - 20%); 3) Discussion on media content usage habits and public needs, media literacy and disinformation, elements of information space protection; (Discussion 1 - 10%); 4) Discussion on the basic principles of data protection, proportionality between the individual's right to data protection and the public's right to follow important events. (Discussion 2 - 10%); 5) Exam: presentations of reports on previous research (research report and its presentation – 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 tests, preparation of the report on previous research.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students must prepare for a discussions (20%), they must pass two tests (40%), and prepare a report on previous research and present it during exam (40%). 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point assessment scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Barkāne I. Cilvēltiesību nozīme mākslīgā intelekta laikmetā. Privātums datu aizsardzība un regulējums masveida novērošanas novēršanai. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2023. 328 lpp. ISBN: 978-9934-36-097-8
2. Comunello F., Mulargia S. Social Media in Earthquake-Related Communication: Shake Networks. UK: Emerald Publishing Limited. 2018. E-grāmata LLU FB datubāzē EBSCOhost eBook Academic Collection. Pieejams
LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=1f124df7-9763-3e67-abd4-ac313d4f9311
3. Manovičs Ļ., Jauno mediju valoda. 2006. Rīga: Jauno mediju kultūras centrs. 373 lpp. Pieejams: https://gramatas.lndb.lv/periodika2-viewer/#issue:646647
4. Mhlanga D. FinTech and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development: The Role of Smart Tehnologies in Achieving Development Goals. Cham Switzeland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2023. 428 p. ISBN: 978-3-031-37775-4
5. Scmidt A. F. Crowd Design: From Tools for Empowerment to Platform Capitalism. 2017. E-grāmata LLU FB datubāzē EBSCOhost eBook Academic Collection Pieejams LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=81291a4c-76f1-30ce-8f63-84e214aff56d
6. Srnicek N. Platform Capitalism. 2017. Cambridge: Polity Press. 171 p. Pieejams: https://mudancatecnologicaedinamicacapitalista.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/platform-capitalism.pdf

Further reading

1. Freibergs, V. Mapping Media Literacy in Latvia: National summary. In: Mapping of media literacy practices and actions in EU-28. European Audiovisual Observatory. 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, 13(2), 2020, 202 – 229.
3. Life with COVID-19: Evaluation of Overcoming the Coronavirus Crisis in Latvia and Recommendations for Societal Resilence in the Future. 2020. Pieejams: https://www.rsu.lv/en/project/life-with-covid-19
4. Srnicek N. The Challenges of Platform Capitalism: Understanding the Logic of a New Business Model. Pieejams: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/newe.12023

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 study programme “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”