Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Information, Communication and Society
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: JAC09113
Module leader: Ivana Ebel
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Humanities
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The module covers the main theories and issues of the information age. You will become familiar with topics such as: the nature of information; the ongoing information technology revolution; major theorists of the information society; critiques of the information society; how information, including news, flows through society; the political public sphere; information regulation; the impact of the internet on journalism, democracy and society; agenda-setting in the information age; privacy and surveillance; the digital divide and its challenge to ideals of social justice; major developments in intellectual property and the economics of information; the political economy of communication; national, European and global information institutions. Please note that, in light of the fast pace of developments in both theory and practice, this syllabus is subject to development.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Assess the main schools of thought in the literature on new media and the information society.

LO2: Discuss and debate key contemporary issues, such as privacy invasions, the digital divide, and the implications of technological and industrial convergence.

LO3: Apply current thinking to emerging challenges confronting professionals in a post-industrial information-based work-force.

LO4: Demonstrate academic research skills sufficient for preparation for honours studies.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Ivana Ebel
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 36 You will take part in seminar sessions that include explanations, theories, and examples, supported by visual aids like slides and videos, engaging through questions, collaborative discussions, and taking part in tasks to be developed in class.
Online Guided independent study 164 During your independent study, you will research, prepare, and rehearse for your assessments, applying the module's content to your projects. You are also expected to focus on assigned readings and research assignments.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~4 Week 8 HOURS= 7 min In groups, you will critically examine and articulate key themes, debates, and theories concerning journalism within the Information Society around a topic agreed with the tutor. Within the group, each student will present for seven minutes.
Essay 60 1~2~3~4 Week 13 , WORDS= 2000 In preparation for honours studies, you will produce a critical literature review essay exploring theoretical debates and key scholarly perspectives on journalism within the Information Society context.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
JAC09113 Information, Communication and Society
 

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