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HU Credits:
2
Degree/Cycle:
2nd degree (Master)
Responsible Department:
Cont. German Studies:politics, Soc.&Cult
Semester:
1st Semester
Teaching Languages:
English
Campus:
Mt. Scopus
Course/Module Coordinator:
Prof. Gisela Dachs
Coordinator Office Hours:
Wednesday 11.00-12.00 or by prior arrangement
Teaching Staff:
Prof Gisela Dachs
Course/Module description:
The course teaches the development and the role of the media in Germany since 1945 with a special focus on its influence on contemporary society and current affairs. Characterized by a very strong tradition of print, the German media landscape has been transformed and challenged by the digital age, empowering users to find new venues in their behavior which impacts the production of content as well as the societal debates that take place in an increasingly fanned out public sphere. The course examines these shifts in the 21st century with an emphasis on news and current affairs, while taking into consideration different theoretical approaches in the research field. This includes knowledge about public broadcasting, ownership, producers and consumers of content as well as ethic challenges of journalism. Students will be able to orient themselves within this media landscape, discuss the reception of content in its context and analyze journalistic productions.
Course/Module aims:
The course aims to transmit a comprehensive view of the media landscape in Germany. This includes the acquirement of knowledge about ongoing current affairs and debates as well as media ethics, the influence of ownership and journalistic standards.
Learning outcomes - On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• To orient themselves within the German media landscape and assess the role of major as well as minor media outlets from a historical and contemporary point of view.
• To read, analyze and discuss media content relating to current affairs.
• To evaluate news content and its impact on various audiences and the political landscape.
• To gain insights into the journalistic process of producing and distributing media content within a national and transnational context.
• To have a reflective view on German society through the critical discussion of the media.
Attendance requirements(%):
80 %
Teaching arrangement and method of instruction:
The teaching combines theoretical and practical approaches. Each unit focuses on a thematically arranged overview focusing on chronological developments since 1945 as well as on current affairs. Each topic will be discussed by referring to its historical and sociological context. The students introduce key media players to the class and present a weekly “media revue” summarizing the main news and current affairs debated in Germany. Furthermore, guest lecturers from the field will be invited to give insights into their own journalistic work.
Course/Module Content:
the full syllabus will be posted on the Moodle at the beginning of the semester
Main topics:
Historical development of media in Germany after 1945.
Scandals and Events that shaped the Federal Republic of Germany.
Ownership, Control and Credibility: Media Giants, Shifting Audiences and the Crisis of Public Broadcasting.
Media Theory: how to analyze media content.
Mainstream media challenged by social media and fake news.
The journalistic ethics of the German press code.
Germany and the World, Constructing a Self-Image and a Perspective on Others.
Media in the GDR and contemporary former East Germany: from class struggle to free market society.
Media and minorities.
Beyond the News: Tabloids, TV entertainment and satire mirroring German society.
Required Reading:
the reading material will be posted at the beginning of the semester
Additional Reading Material:
Grading Scheme :
Essay / Project / Final Assignment / Home Exam / Referat 50 %
Active Participation / Team Assignment 10 %
Presentation / Poster Presentation / Lecture 40 %
Additional information:
Active participation in class is required (10% of the grade) as well as reading of the required texts as listed below in preparation for each course. Two oral presentations (1) introducing a key player/topic of the German media, (2) summarizing and contextualizing the ‘news of the week’ (both together 40 %). One written final assignment based on the presentation or any other topic/paper of the course (50 %). In addition, tasks (non-graded) such as summaries of the reading material are required.
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