Minor Digital Culture and Communication (88M31)

Explore the aesthetic dimensions of digital media in ‘Media Aesthetics,’ and investigate the role of rituals in constructing social realities with ‘Rituals and Media.’ Gain valuable insights into intercultural communication in journalism with ‘Intercultural Communication and Global Journalism.’ Lastly, delve into the strategies of digital activism with ‘The Practice of Digital Activism.’ These courses will help you develop critical perspectives and analytical skills to navigate the complex world of digital media.

Who is this minor interesting for?

This minor program can be interesting for students from various disciplines such as sociology, critical data literacy, anthropology, and journalism, as it focuses on media, culture, communication, and digital activism. Additionally, students from programs such as Communication and Information Sciences, International Communication and Media, Global Communication, Culture Studies, Media and Culture, Communication Science, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Arts and Culture Studies, Media Studies, Social Psychology, and Communication and Information Studies may find this minor relevant.

General information

Courses

Popular Culture and Society (Semester 1, 825053-B-6)

This course is all about exploring the concept of ‘popularity’ in contemporary culture, with a particular focus on how digital technologies have impacted our cultural practices. Through discussions on popular culture, cultural capital, and symbolic power, students are encouraged to analyze the ways in which cultural practices are used to market social identities. We also examine the manufacturing of celebrity, the development of fandom activities, and how digital platforms demand our attention. By reflecting on ‘unpopular’ cultural practices, we gain a better understanding of how they relate to social norms and power structures. The course aims to foster interdisciplinary discussions among students from programs like online culture, sociology, communication, and social psychology.

Reading and Writing in Online Culture (Semester 1, 880098-B-6)

This class delves into the impact of digitalization on how content is consumed and produced online. We'll explore the evolution of reading and writing practices in the digital age, analyzing changes brought about by online culture. From dissecting novels to analyzing memes, we'll cover a diverse range of texts and media formats, learning to read critically across various contexts. Additionally, the course focuses on developing writing skills, exploring different styles and genres to effectively communicate scholarly research to a broader audience interested in online culture. Throughout, we'll address key topics such as media literacy, the attention economy, and navigating misinformation in the digital landscape. Get ready for an engaging exploration of the complex interplay between technology, culture, and communication!

Globalization, Migration and Tourism (Semester 1, 800180-B-6)

This course explores globalization's theoretical developments and cultural phenomena, with a focus on the mobility of people and ideas across borders. We examine contemporary manifestations and impacts on various regions and human life facets. Analyzing diverse mobilities, encompassing migration, tourism, and beyond, we uncover cultural exchanges and local landscape transformations.

Privacy and Surveillance (Semester 2, 800162-B-6)

This course explores the impact of digitalisation and datafication on our understanding of privacy. It delves into key theories about digital privacy and surveillance, and their relevance and application in various local and global contexts. Additionally, the course covers how privacy can be regulated and weaponised. Through lecture and student engagement via class discussions, activities and games, students learn research methods specific to privacy and surveillance. Ultimately, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of how the digital age has altered our attitudes towards, expectations from and practices of privacy, and the implications of these changes for us as individuals and society.

Media Aesthetics (Semester 2, 800990-B-6)

This course explores how new technologies impact our lives and transform the way we see, hear, feel, and communicate. We'll examine the aesthetics of digital media and how they are defined in relation to the analogue. The course covers a broad range of digital media, including film, music, fashion, video games, memes, and digital literature, with a thematic focus on nostalgia, border aesthetics, and remediation. We'll delve into media theories that help us analyze the complex interplay between old and new media in our everyday lives. By the end of the course, you'll have an in-depth understanding of digital media and its cultural significance.

Rituals and Media (Semester 2, 800154-B-6)

This course provides an introduction to the concept of ritual as a means of understanding media and society more broadly. Both ritual and media can be studied as symbolic systems that construct, shape, and organize social realities. Media rituals, as defined by Couldry (2003), are actions that represent broader values and frameworks of understanding related to the media. In this course, we will explore the role of media and rituals in constructing social realities. We will cover topics such as mediatized rituals, media events, and online commemorative practices. Through a series of case studies and discussions, we will examine the relationship between media and ritual from a cultural-sociological perspective.

Intercultural Communication and Global Journalism (Semester 2, 800152-B-6)

This course is designed to introduce students to key concepts and models of intercultural communication, and explore how these concepts apply to the profession of journalism. Through a global lens, we examine how corporations and practitioners navigate cultural diversity successfully, and the implications of generalizations for intercultural encounters. We then focus on the role of journalism as a cultural activity, profession, and industry, and explore news selection, presentation, distribution, and consumption in diverse contexts. Digital media's impact on the news-making process is also explored, with a focus on how it challenges or reinforces critical issues in cultural diversity. By the end of the course, students will have a nuanced understanding of intercultural communication and its role in journalism.

The Practice of Digital Activism (Semester 2, 800187-B-6)

In this course, students will explore the ways in which digital tools are used to create social change. They will examine strategies and techniques used by practitioners of digital activism, starting with foundational theories such as practice and power. Students will then delve into key concepts in digital media and culture through empirical studies of campaigns for sociopolitical change in various domains. They will develop their own digital campaign for sociopolitical change over the term, which they will plan, implement, share with their colleagues, and reflect upon. The course will also cover how digitalisation has altered the ‘logic’ of mobilisation and collective action, with a focus on its implications for activism as a practice and for sociopolitical change more broadly.

After the minor 

This minor can be a suitable choice for several Master's programs. It is particularly relevant to the Master's program in Culture Studies at Tilburg University, but it can also be applied to other MA programs such as: Master of Media Studies, Master of Science in Communication Science, Master of Cultural Anthropology, Master of Journalism, Master of Global Communication, Master of Digital Humanities, Master of Science in New Media and Digital Culture, Master of Visual Culture Studies, Master of Cultural Studies, Master of Science in Media and Communication, Master of Sociology with a focus on Media and Culture, Master of Digital Media and Society, Master of Science in International Communication, Master of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Master of Film and Media Studies, Master of Science in Digital Media and Communication, Master of Social Research Methods with a focus on Media and Communication, and Master of Science in Journalism and New Media, and Master of Critical Media Studies.

This minor provides practical skills that are crucial in the professional world. It equips students with expertise in areas such as popular culture, online communication, globalization, privacy, media aesthetics, rituals, intercultural communication, digital activism and digital discourse (analysis). These skills are applicable across various fields such as marketing, journalism, advocacy, cultural industries, governmental and non governmental organizations. They enable professionals to navigate diverse contexts effectively and drive impactful change.

More information

Detailed and up-to-date information about this minor in the academic year 2024-2025 can be found in the Osiris Catalogue from 1 August. 

If you have any questions about this minor, please contact: Camilla Spadavecchia.