Learning outcomes
after completing the course, students will have attained the following learning outcomes:
- in-depth knowledge and understanding of historical developments related to the rise of modern media technologies;
- in-depth knowledge of the historiography within the course topic;
- in-depth knowledge of the theoretical discourse about this topic;
- knowledge of a relevant historical cases pertaining to the specialised topic.
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This is the third course of Specialisation 3:The Power of Culture (English track History). The case-study course is an intensive, in-depth course centred on a specific historical topic.
We are currently living through a communications revolution: the proliferation of the internet and the rapid growth of online communication over the past fifteen years has undeniably changed our society, but it is not clear yet where this process is headed and which consequences it has for Western culture. This course aims to put this transformative process into historical context by comparing it with the rise of other mass media and how they have shaped our modern world. The aim is to be able to better understand and predict the consequences of the rise of the internet for modern culture.
This course considers mass media as cultural phenomena: books, newspapers, the telegraph, television or the internet are not just technologies, but also consist of historically specific practices and knowledge. The mass media have not only helped to spread the images, ideas, concepts and values that constitute modernity (such as rationalism, nationalism, urbanism, and the idea of progress), but they are themselves important symbols of modern culture: Gutenberg’s printing press, and the telegraph were once seen to embody modernity, just like the iPhone does today.
The historical developments, historiography and theoretical frameworks relating to the topic will be discussed in greater depth. An essay-based exam will test the student's grasp of these matters. In addition, students will conduct a brief study based on relevant sources and literature, and present their findings both orally and in writing.
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