Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to: • Define and understand the concepts of different theoretical approaches; • Differentiate and make comparisons between different perspectives and reference authors; • To formulate criticisms of the proposed models and of the different positions of the authors; • Mobilise concepts and theoretical approaches to analyse communication and media issues; • To provide a knowledge of Belgian and international current affairs.

Goals

The Communication and Media Literacy course (EPICB142) aims to develop students' knowledge of the main founding theories of communication sciences as well as the ability to compare and critique these different theories. In addition to the knowledge of these theories, the objective of this course is to allow students to mobilize these different theories to analyze and question the past, present, and future communicational phenomena that are at the centre of our media culture. The course also aims to develop students' ability to critically follow Belgian and international news.

Content

The Communication and Media Literacy course (EPICB142) aims to develop students' knowledge of the main founding theories of communication sciences as well as the ability to compare and critique these different theories. In addition to the knowledge of these theories, the objective of this course is to allow students to mobilize these different theories to analyze and question the past, present, and future communicational phenomena that are at the centre of our media culture. The course also aims to develop students' ability to critically follow Belgian and international news.

Exercices

This course includes in-depth sessions and practical applications in small groups (tutorials), based on texts read in advance and supervised by the teaching assistants.

Teaching methods

The course will consist mainly of lectures and theory. Application examples will also be presented during the session. Due to the COVID 19 crisis, the course may evolve towards a "hybrid" logic if necessary, combining • theoretical presentations organised in person or remotely via the Microsoft Teams tool; • video clips posted on the course moodle; • question and answer sessions organised in person or remotely following the theoretical presentations; • practical sessions organised in person or via the Microsoft Teams tool.

Assessment method

In general, the teacher expects the student to appropriate the course by going beyond simple assimilation to personal reflection on the theories and concepts presented. Beyond "rote", the challenge is to be able to position the theories and concepts in relation to each other by comparing and criticizing them. It is also crucial to be able to adequately mobilise these concepts and theories to analyse communicational phenomena. The evaluation focuses on the knowledge of the theories presented in the lecture, the ability to compare and criticize them, and then to mobilize them. It also covers the understanding and application of the texts and concepts analysed in the exercise sessions. It also concerns the understanding of Belgian and international current affairs.

Assessment

For the first examination session (January):

  • Current affairs quizzes administered at the end of each lecture during the first semester, including the Act’UNamur project, will account for 30% of the final grade.
  • A closed-book written examination held during the session, assessing both knowledge of course content and practical work, will account for 70% of the final grade.

For the resit examination session (June & September):

  • Assessment will take the form of a written examination conducted under similar conditions.
  • This examination will be preceded by a current affairs quiz.


Sources, references and any support material

- the slides of the course and the practical exercises presented during the session and available on Webcampus; - the book (recommended but not compulsory to buy): "La communication: de la transmission à la relation" by Jean Lohisse, Geoffroy Patriarche and Annabelle Klein; - A file of texts used mainly in the exercises; - Different audiovisual media; - Print and broadcast media.

Language of instruction

French