Media Studies classes for exchange students

Course Summary

This media theory course will introduce students to the major theoretical approaches to digital media with a focus on its role in society. Contents will include information/network society, social media, online/mobile cultures, cyber communities, digital activism, connective action, hashtag campaigns, digital communication platforms, algorithms and datafication, and platform economies.

Instructor

Dr. Giuliana Sorce

Course Summary

Media do not just entertain and inform us. Media create their own realities and shape our understanding of ‚the social’, transforming how we perceive the world around us and our place in it. In other words, they form an integral part of our everyday culture.

This class aims to introduce students to a number of approaches to analysing media as a force within larger cultural contexts. We will engage with influential theoretical texts that grapple with the interplay between the social world, the cultural meanings that circulate within it, and the media technologies that facilitate such circulation.

We will also look at many examples from popular culture to illustrate and interrogate these theories: video advertisements, television shows, comic books, and more.

Besides a willingness to read your heart out and engage complex ideas in English, you don’t need to bring any previous knowledge of media or cultural theory to this class.

Instructor

Tobias Kunz, M. A.

Course Summary

The seminar "Introduction to Platforms and Community Studies" aims at conveying theoretical and conceptual basics in order to enable the systematic consideration and classification of digital platforms as well as different social groups (e.g., fan communities) that use them. On the basis of this fundamental knowledge, students are particularly encouraged to contribute their own examples and experiences in the form of short presentations as well as to discuss and analyze them together with the plenum - also in preparation for their examination performance (term paper).

Instructor

Marcel Lemmes

Course Summary

The seminar incorporates theoretical sessions to provide a foundation in HMI and chatbot development, practical sessions to engage participants in hands-on activities, and reflective sessions to encourage critical thinking about the implications and future directions of HMI.

Chatbots, powered by advanced technologies such as synthetic voice, are revolutionizing how we interact with machines. They play pivotal roles in diverse domains, from customer service and virtual assistants to healthcare and education.

In this seminar, we will embark on an exciting journey into the world of chatbots, where human and machine seamlessly interact. This seminar is designed to be actively involved in practical exercises, interactive discussions, and thought-provoking activities! Throughout this seminar, we'll dive into the theoretical foundations of human-machine interaction and chatbot development. We'll explore the intricacies of natural language processing, dialogue management, and user-centered design principles. We'll delve into the realm of synthetic voice, where you'll witness the power of machines mimicking human speech with astonishing realism. You'll have the opportunity to create your own chatbot and witness firsthand how they transform the way we interact with technology.

Welcome to the seminar, "Exploring Human-Machine Interaction: Unveiling the Power of Chatbots”! Bring your curiosity, enthusiasm, and imagination to this seminar. Get ready to unlock the possibilities, challenge your creativity.

Instructor

Jun Zhang