Subject description MET202

This course gives the student an introduction to analyses of digital media and the so-called "big data" that can be harvested from services such as Twitter and Facebook. The course takes into account various such social media and analyses the constant development of these as well as changes regarding opportunities for analysis of data. The student will be introduced to how digital media can be used in different professional communication-related contexts. The course is fashioned as a methodology course, which introduces and focuses on the use of tools for analysis of big data, such as Tableau or R.

Knowledge

The student…

• has insight into different procedures and analysis methods concerning digital media, and how these can be used and assessed in practice
• has knowledge of the main developments concerning research on digital media
• has the ability to identify advantages and disadvantages of different analysis methods as well as how the problem statement, data collection method and analysis techniques affect the validity of the analysis
• has basic knowledge of obtaining, evaluating, as well as using empirical data and analyses in studies of digital media
• can identify common approaches used in studies of digital media, as well as what significance these have for data collection and analysis

Skills

The student…

• can carry out simpler analyses of digital media on their own
• can choose a suitable approach for a study, plan a study, implement, analyze, interpret and present a research report based on analysis of digital media
• masters suitable analysis tools, and is able to carry out analyses and have sufficient knowledge for a basic understanding of the significance of findings

General competence

The student...

• can exercise a conscious and critical relationship to digital methods in empirical work, such as research articles, monographs or market research
• can analyse data from a series of digital platforms, choosing analysis methods that suit the collection methods used
• can reflect critically on and change their own practice as well as expand their own professional understanding based on the feedback given

Bachelor in Journalism

Bachelor in Creative Marketing Communications

Bachelor in PR and Strategic Communication

Lectures, discussions and cases / assignments undertaken individually and in groups. For most lectures, assignments will be published that will be solved using analysis tools. The final exam will be based on the students having actively completed these assignments throughout the semester. It is expected that students participate actively both in discussions and with their own presentations.

Teaching / supervision - 36 hours

Tutorials - 100 hours

Student project work - 20 hours

Independent practice / lab work / practical work individually or in groups - 24 hours

Exam preparation activities - 20 hours

Recommended use of time in total - 200 hours

The student must bring a computer to each lecture. The computer must have at least 2 GB of free hard disk space to ensure that the software to be used can be installed. The student must also be able to control and use the computer for basic operations, such as software installation. Computer programs for analysis of digital media to be used in the course will be made available in connection with the lectures.

Use of digital analysis tools used in several different industries.

Verifiable coursework requirements: one or more assignments that must be collectively approved

Individual qualification: G/IG (approved/not approved)

Execution: in group

Verifiable (right of appeal): yes

Coursework requirements are to be handed in or conducted in accordance with information given by the lecturer and carried out within the duration of the course, as well as registered as approved/not approved at least two weeks before the exam/exam period.

Approved coursework requirements grant students permission to take exams. Unapproved coursework requirements result in the student’s withdrawal from the exam.

Exam: Individual written home examination

Duration: 72 hours

Grading scale: The Norwegian grading system uses the graded scale A - F, where A is the best grade, E is the lowest pass grade and F is fail

Weighting: 100 % of the overall grade

Support materials: All support materials are allowed

Re-sit coursework requirements: submit one or more assignments

Re-sit exam: 72-hour individual written home examination with a new assignment