Digital Communication and Aesthetics,

Curriculum for the Elective Study at Bachelor Level in Digital Communication and Aesthetics, 2016 Corrected 2017 Amended 2018 Department of Media, Cognition and Communication Faculty of Humanities University of Copenhagen

Contents Part 1 Authority, affiliation, prescribed period of study and structure... 3 1. Authority... 3 2. Affiliation... 3 3. Prescribed period of study and structure... 3 Part 2. Technical requirements pertaining to study... 3 4. Reading texts in foreign languages... 3 5. Definition of a standard page... 3 6. Writing and spelling skills... 3 7. Syllabus... 4 Part 3. Academic profile... 4 8. Objectives of the bachelor elective study... 4 9. Competency profile for the bachelor elective study... 4 Competency description... 4 Competency goals... 4 Part 4. The bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics... 5 10. The bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics... 5 11. Modules on the bachelor elective study... 5 Module 1: Analysis of Digital Media... 5 Module 2: Digital Strategic Communication... 7 Module 3: Digital Design... 8 Part 5. General exam rules and assessment criteria... 9 12. General exam rules... 9 13. Assessment criteria... 9 Part 6. Completion of the programme... 9 14. Completion of the programme... 9 Part 7. Credits... 10 15. Credits... 10 Part 8. Registration for courses and exams... 10 16. Registration for courses and exams... 10 Part 9. Date of commencement, exemption and approval... 10 17. Date of commencement... 10 18. Exemption... 10 19. Approval... 10 2

Part 1 Authority, affiliation, prescribed period of study and structure 1. Authority The 2016 Curriculum for the Elective Study at Bachelor Level in Digital Communication and Aesthetics has been drawn up under the authority endowed by Section 30 of Ministerial Order no. 1520 of 16 December 2013 on bachelor s and master s programmes at universities (the Study Programme Order). 2. Affiliation The bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics falls under the auspices of the study board for Media, Cognition and Communication and the body of external examiners for Film and Media Studies. 3. Prescribed period of study and structure The bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics is part of a three-year bachelor programme and is prescribed to 180 ECTS credits, including an elective study prescribed to 45 ECTS credits and a basic subject prescribed to 135 ECTS credits. (2) Students must have passed at least their first-year exam before starting the bachelor elective study. (3) A minimum of 30 ECTS credits on the bachelor elective study must be taken outside the student s basic subject. Part 2. Technical requirements pertaining to study 4. Reading texts in foreign languages Many of the books and texts used on the elective study in Digital Communication and aesthetics is in English. If the modules on the elective study are in English, all of the classes and texts listed on the syllabus must also be in English. However, no specific, formal language requirement is stipulated. Exams are held in either English or Danish, depending on the student s choice. 5. Definition of a standard page The standard page, as applied to texts and to the submission of take-home assignments, is defined as 2,400 keystrokes, including spaces. When calculating the length of take-home assignments, annotations are included, but not cover pages, tables of contents, illustrations, tables, bibliographies and appendices. 6. Writing and spelling skills When assessing take-home assignments, both in Danish and in a foreign language, the students writing and spelling skills (as documented in the work submitted) must be included in the overall assessment of the piece of work concerned, although the academic content will be weighted most heavily. If special emphasis is placed on writing and spelling skills, this will be stipulated under the individual course element in section 11. 3

7. Syllabus Information about current syllabus provisions for individual course elements is available on KUnet s study pages, under Exam > Before the exam > Syllabus. If it is stipulated here that the students are required to specify a certain amount of text(s), then the texts listed must be research-based. All sources must be listed in alphabetical order, including online sources. Additional sources newspaper articles, statistics, handbooks or reference books must be included on the same list but without specifying the number of standard pages. They do not count toward the total number of pages. Part 3. Academic profile 8. Objectives of the bachelor elective study The objective of the bachelor elective study is to supplement the students' academic knowledge and skills in relation to the basic subject at bachelor level and to provide them with subject-specific theoretical and methodological competencies. The students gain greater independence and academic immersion through the subject area s disciplines and methods, including via an introduction to research work and methodology. 9. Competency profile for the bachelor elective study Competency description Students on the elective study acquire knowledge of digital media and skills in the forms of digital communication used in communications work. The elective study focuses on the media and forms of communication that are the most important and topical at the moment. The aim is to provide students with a combination of overview of and insight into digital communication, enabling them to independently analyse, plan, produce and evaluate digital communication. It is not a condition that students possess special IT skills prior to admission. Competency goals The bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics provides students with the following specific competencies: Knowledge and understanding of: theories that shed light on the development and use of digital communication current uses of forms of digital communication in commercial, political and public contexts innovation and entrepreneurship Skills to: analyse organisations at strategic level analyse content in digital media from sociological, media-science and aesthetic perspectives make appropriate choices about the use of communications for specific purposes devise and present a draft communication solution. Competencies to: generate Ideas plan the work of analysing, preparing and evaluating digital communication produce content in digital media. 4

Part 4. The bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics 10. The bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics The bachelor elective study consists of modules prescribed to a total of 45 ECTS credits. The modules may be taken as standalone elective studies. However, students who have taken the BA in Communication and IT are not permitted to take Module 1, Analysis of Digital Media. (2) The bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics includes the following modules: Module (part of the programme) 1: Digital Media Analysis (elective study) 15 ECTS credits 2: Digital Strategic Communication (elective study) 3: Digital Design (elective study) Course element Analysis of Digital Media Activity code: HFMB15041E Digital Strategic Communication Activity code: HFMB15051E Digital Design Activity code: HFMB15061E Exam provisions Take-home assignment on optional subject following approval of active class participation. Grading by one internal examiner. Pass/Fail Oral exam on an optional subject with materials in the form of a portfolio. External The 7-point grading scale Oral exam on optional subject with materials External The 7-point grading scale (3) The expected course of study for the study pattern in Digital Communication and Aesthetics is presented in the table below: Semester Module 1 Analysis of Digital Media 2 Digital Strategic Communication Digital Design 11. Modules on the bachelor elective study Module 1: Analysis of Digital Media Competency goals for the module The module gives students: Knowledge and understanding of: the history of forms of digital communication the most significant theories that describe the aesthetics, function and importance of digital media 5

the importance of the major media forms at this moment in time. Skills to: describe and analyse the history, aesthetics, function and importance of digital media, especially individuals' visions and entrepreneurship. Competencies to: apply theories, methods and concepts suitable to analysing digital media. Analysis of Digital Media Analyse af digitale medier Activity code: HFMB15041E Academic targets Types of teaching and working methods Exam provisions Students will be able to: apply appropriate theories to the analysis of specific digital media products and communication processes put digital media s aesthetic and communicative idioms into perspective in relation to other forms of media and culture. The module combines lectures with individual written exercises, group work and oral presentations. Form of exam: Take-home assignment on optional subject following approval of active class participation. Active class attendance is defined as submitting nine out of 12 weekly assignments during the course, each a maximum of one page and written individually, as well as 75% attendance, i.e. 11 out of 14 classes. Make-up exam/resit: Take-home assignment on set subject, 15-20 standard pages, deadline seven days. Assessment: Internal exam with one examiner, Pass/Fail. Exam language(s): Danish or English. Group exam: The take-home assignment may be written in groups of up to a maximum of four students. The make-up exam/re-exam can only be sat individually. Extent: For one student the take-home assignment must be 10 15 standard pages, Extentfor two students: 15 20 pages, for three students: 20 25 pages and for four students: 25 30 pages. If several students work together on an assignment, their individual contributions must constitute distinct units that can be identified and assessed separately. The joint part must not exceed 50% of the total. Materials permitted: All. Exam when active class participation is not approved: Form of exam: Take-home assignment on set subject. Make-up exam/resit: As above. Assessment: Internal exam, one examiner, Pass/Fail. Exam language(s): Danish or English. Group exam: This exam can only be sat individually. Extent: 20-25 standard pages, deadline 14 days. Materials permitted: All. 6

Special provisions For students who meet the requirements for active class participation but have not submitted the individual take-home assignment, the approved active class participation is valid for the next two exam periods. Module 2: Digital Strategic Communication Competency goals for the module The module gives students: Knowledge and understanding of: strategic planning organisational analysis design of communications campaigns cross-media communications. Skills to: design communications campaigns and other strategic communication activities prepare and present a convincing oral presentation. Competencies to: use forms of analysis, methods, and theories suitable for planned communications. Digital Strategic Communication Digital strategisk kommunikation Activity code: HFMB15051E Academic targets Types of teaching and working methods Exam provisions Students will be able to: analyse organisational strategy, as well as internal and external factors affecting organisations devise relevant communications initiatives to address a specific problem that has emerged from the strategic analysis plan an appropriate way of evaluating and following up on initiatives present a total communications solution. The module consists of a combination of lectures and assignments, which gradually build up to solve the overall communication assignment. Students are free to choose the communications case on which to base their portfolio. The planning of the course places emphasis on enabling the individual student to gain insight into communications and build up a personal network. Form of exam: Oral exam on an optional subject with materials in the form of a portfolio. The oral exam takes the form of a presentation lasting 5 10 minutes based on the portfolio, which is produced during the course and submitted before the oral exam. The subsequent discussion is based on both the student portfolio and the presentation. Make-up exam/resit: As above. Assessment: External exam, the 7-point grading scale. The material in it forms the basis for the oral exam and is weighted 50% in the grading. Exam language(s): Danish or English. Group exam: This exam can only be sat individually. Extent: 25 minutes including evaluation and grading. The student portfolio consists of a presentation of the case, an analysis section, which must contain at least three of the analysis models covered in the semester plan and 7

Module 3: Digital Design may be supplemented by other models chosen by the student(s), as well as a plan for the implementation of, evaluation of and follow-up on a specific communications initiative. The final portfolio must be a maximum of 20 pages. Materials permitted: All, including personal laptops but Internet access cannot be guaranteed. Competency goals for the module The module gives students: Knowledge and understanding of: the importance and use of key theories about communication, aesthetics and use in the planning and production of digitally mediated communications. Skills to: plan, prepare and evaluate digital content. Competencies to: use selected basic technologies and tools to produce digital communication solutions. Digital Design Digitalt design Activity code: HFMB15061E Academic targets Types of teaching and working methods Exam provisions Students will be able to: account for the formation of selected key theories from a range of design traditions use different methods, tools, and technologies for digital design evaluate the aesthetic idiom and usability of a web design. The module takes the form of an introduction to interactive design in theory and practice. it is based on a review of relevant theories and methodologies from a range of design traditions, as well as the use of relevant tools and technologies for digital production, to devise a specific design project. Form of exam: Oral exam on optional subject with materials The materials consist of a written report plus a communication product. Supervision is provided during the process. The report must include reflections on relevant problems related to drawing up the communication product. The final product, which may take the form of the either a ready-made communication solution or a detailed design document, must be attached to the report as an appendix. The oral exam is based on the materials and takes the form of a 10-minute presentation of the subject matter, followed by a dialogue between student and examiner. Make-up exam/resit: As above. Assessment: External exam, the 7-point grading scale. The materials and the written report are included in the assessment and weighted 50/50. Exam language(s): Danish or English. Group exam: The communication product and the written report may be done in groups. Extent: 30 minutes including evaluation and grading. The report must be 10 15 pages, irrespective of whether it is written individually or in a group. 8

Materials permitted: All, including personal laptops but Internet access cannot be guaranteed. Special provisions The Department recommends that students take the course Analysis of Digital Media (or equivalent) before signing up for the bachelor elective study. Part 5. General exam rules and assessment criteria 12. General exam rules The rules contained in the Executive Order on University Examinations and Grading apply to the exams for the bachelor elective study. (2) Rules about exams, including registration and withdrawal, are published on www.kunet.dk. (3) As a rule, the exam language will be the same as the teaching language. The exam language for the individual course elements in the curriculum is stipulated in the course description on www.kurser.ku.dk. (4) Make-up exams and resits are held in accordance with the regulations laid down in the Examination Order. (5) The study board may stipulate rules for special exam conditions for students who are able to document a need for them, for example due to reduced physical or mental functions. 13. Assessment criteria Assessment takes the form of the 7-point grading scale or Pass/Fail. Grade 12 (twelve) means all of the academic targets for the individual course elements have been met, with no or only a few minor weaknesses. (2) An exam has been passed if the grade 02 (two) or Pass is awarded. (3) All exams within the overall framework of 180 ECTS credits for the whole bachelor programme, and any introductory courses, must be passed before a bachelor s degree is conferred. Part 6. Completion of the programme 14. Completion of the programme Students who start the programme on 1 September must complete it, including any elective studies, within 4 years (46 months).students who start on 1 February must finish within 4 years (48 months). See however (3) below. (2) For study programmes that include a propaedeutic course, the maximum completion time will be extended by the length of the propaedeutic course in ECTS credits. (3) Student who registered before 1 September 2016 must finish the programme within five years. (4) If a student fails to complete their study programme within the maximum time to graduation, enrolment will be terminated (see the Bachelor Admission Order). 9

Part 7. Credits 15. Credits Students may apply to the study board to have course elements passed in another programme at the same level approved instead of elements of the upper-secondary-school bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics. (2) If students wish to take course elements that form part of other study programmes at the same level, they must seek pre-approval from the study board. (3) If credits are pre-approved for courses at other educational institutions, the student is required to seek credits for the course concerned and submit documentation once the courses are passed. Students also have a duty to disclose any changes to the pre-approved credits transferred. Part 8. Registration for courses and exams 16. Registration for courses and exams The faculty enrols students in compulsory course elements on the bachelor programme. Bachelor students must register on their own initiative for other course elements (such as elective courses, elective studies and minor subjects) and compulsory course elements they have withdrawn from. (3) If the number of applicants is greater than the number of places available on a course, the faculty draws lots for the available places. The faculty is responsible for ensuring that students do not have to extend their study period due to a rejected registration. (4) For more information on registration for course elements, see KUnet s study pages, under the menu item Undervisning => Til- og afmelding (Courses > Registration and withdrawal of registration from courses). (5) The faculty registers students for the first exam attempt in connection with course registration. Students must register on their own initiative for second and third exam attempts within the set registration deadlines. (6) For more information on registration for exams, see KUnet s study pages, under the menu item Exam. Part 9. Date of commencement, exemption and approval 17. Date of commencement The 2016 curriculum for the bachelor elective study in Digital Communication and Aesthetics comes into force on 1 September 2016 and applies to students who register for this elective study on 1 September 2016 or later. 18. Exemption Under special circumstances, the study board may grant exemptions from those rules contained in the curriculum that have been set by the board itself. 19. Approval This curriculum was approved by the Study Board for Media, Cognition and Communication, 27 August 2015. 10

This curriculum was approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities on 18 April 2016. The curriculum was corrected by the Faculty of Humanities on 23 October 2017. The curriculum was amended by the Faculty of Humanities on 10 January 2018. Ulf Hedetoft Dean 11