The course introduces to digital media and their theory, history, aesthetics, function, and impact on society. After an introduction to different theoretical perspectives on media (e.g. medium theory and genre theory) we will turn to topics such as media archaeology and -materiality, digital publics and political communication, media use and participatory culture (focusing on youth and children), misinformation and surveillance. We analyze social media (e.g. Facebook and Twitter), digital visual media (e.g. photography), blogs, and other forms of digital media.

Students can expect an active semester with smaller written assignments, analytic assignments, presentations, and discussions. The course concludes with a written assignment (groups possible).