Media Aesthetics

Level of Study

Master

Teaching semester

Autumn

Objectives and Content

The course focuses on the formal and expressive aspects of media and on their cultural-historical context. Grounded in media studies as a discipline within the humanities, the course will provide a basis for theoretical reflection and analysis of (for instance) films, television, photography and computer games. The significance of technological and production-related circumstances for how media texts are created, produced and function is central to the course. The media forms under scrutiny and the theoretical-analytical traditions we will engage with will vary with each iteration of the course.

This year's course will focus on the design and aesthetics of computer games, and the role and significance of games and gaming in digital society. General topics will include computer game history, game design and game genres, game technologies, and industry and market. Special topics will include games and cinema, the role of avatars, and games and learning. In the seminars, the students will analyse and discuss selected game titles.

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of selected theoretical and analytical traditions central for understanding media form and content.
• has knowledge of how the form and content of media is related to specific cultural-historical, technological, and production-related conditions.

Skills

The student

• is able to compare, assess, and discuss important characteristics of different analytical traditions.
• is able to apply theoretical insights and concepts in analyses of media expressions and genres.

Required Previous Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in Information Science or Media Studies or equivalent.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, seminars and individual supervision.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Course literature presentation. See guidelines published at the start of the semester.

Presentation of topic for the exam essay. See guidelines published at the start of the semester.

Compulsory attendance at seminars (80%) and other activities as determined by the course coordinator.

Approved work requirements valid only in the teaching semester.

Forms of Assessment

• Course essay written under supervision, approx. 5000 words: 60% of the total grade.
• Oral individual exam: 40% of the total grade.

Grading Scale

A-F

Assessment Semester

Assessment only in the teaching semester.

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.

Course Administrator

Department of Information Science and Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course