Media Studies classes for exchange students

In this course, we will examine notions of hybridity in visual culture. Broadly speaking, hybrid images are composed of two or more heterogeneous elements. Comics, for example, combine images and text, and films frequently combine recorded footage and computer-generated imagery (CGI). More recently, augmented reality applications have integrated virtual images into our perception of the real world. In this course, we will consider the different kinds of hybrid images found in both works of art and in our daily lives. We will look at hybrid literary forms such as children’s literature and comics, various forms of hybridity in film production, ranging from models and matte painting to synthespians, but also cultural phenomena, such as deepfakes, murals, and art installations. We will explore these and other forms of hybrid images from cultural, semiotic, stylistic, political, and other perspectives.

Evaluation: Regular and active participation, assignments, leading a discussion, research paper

Thurdays, 12 to 2 pm

Digitization has contributed to a surge of new actors producing and disseminating information that resembles traditional journalism, increasingly blurring the margins of journalism. These can include (political) influencers, new (hyper)partisan media, podcasters and more who (intentionally or not) change public discourse and sometimes attack journalism as a profession and democracy as a societal system. In this class, we will engage with theoretical and empirical work that addresses the question whether journalism is a distinct profession and how we can understand these shifts and what they can mean for journalism’s role for society.

Evaluation: Attendance, reading diaries, poster presentation (group work)

Thursdays, 8 to 8 am

Societies of the 21st century are strongly characterized by visual content - whether distributed via mass media, on social media platforms or shared in interpersonal communication. Social media content especially has been dominated by (audio-)visual content. At the same time, (audio-)visual content is said to be particularly potent for the dissemination of information. This calls for appropriate methodological approaches when studying social media content. In this seminar, we will revise quantitative and qualitative approaches to visual content analysis and practice these with case studies under the broader theme of the #tradwife movement and visual communication of far right influencers.

Individual work: Attendance, reading diaries

Group Work: Conceptualization and implementation of an empirical content analysis, presentation of results and final paper

Thurdays 6 to 8 pm

This course explores how media can be strategically used to influence public policy and drive systemic change. Blending theory with practical exercises, students will examine how advocates, activists, and social movements leverage media to shape public opinion and influence decision-makers. Through academic texts, case studies, and hands-on projects, the course investigates:

• The definition and strategies of media advocacy
• How media is used in policy and social change efforts
• The role of journalism in advocacy and its limitations
• The impact (both positive and negative) of media coverage
• Comparative perspectives from U.S. and global contexts

Students will critically analyze real-world campaigns and design their own media advocacy initiatives. Ideal for those interested in public policy, communications, and activism, the course highlights how various actors—governments, NGOs, corporations, and others—use media alongside tools like legislation, litigation, and lobbying to effect change.

Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 2 to 4 pm

In this seminar students will learn the fundamentals of film analysis. We will explore a variety of approaches to film through the interdisciplinary field of film studies: technical, formal, aesthetic as well as ontological or phenomenological analysis (e.g. eco-cinema or queer cinema). Each week we will focus on one different approach, with one core text and two supplementary readings that all students should prepare, along with optional readings.

The first sessions will provide students with a basic introduction to film analysis. The following sessions students will be expected to give presentations. In groups of 2-3, students will prepare the core reading while each of them should prepare one additional text that can be put into tension with the core reading as well as a film example to discuss. Additionally, students are expected to submit a weekly reading reflection or post discussion questions. These weekly assignments are part of their final grade. Through this structure and through all the necessary readings, students will be well-prepared  to write their final short-essay, which should be an extension of their presentation. This essay should involve a close reading of one aspect of a film of their choice as well as at least two texts we worked on in the seminar.

Wednesdays 12 to 2 pm

Storms, hail, heat waves, earthquakes: Natural hazards are global challenges affecting societies worldwide. Yet, they have local manifestations, requiring preparation, coordination and solutions at the local level to reduce their impact. How do challenges of natural hazards affect Tübingen and its residents, what is done to prepare for and deal with related risks, and how can we create an active dialogue between science and society to foster a better understanding of related uncertainties? This interdisciplinary course brings together students from Geosciences, Media Studies, Rhetoric, and other fields to tackle these questions, and develop museum exhibits that invite public audiences to explore natural hazards in the local context.

Students investigate local natural hazards, their potential impact, and mitigating measures that are in place to reduce their risk. They will do this through literature and archival research, direct interactions with experts and stakeholders, and visits to local sites where protection measures are implemented. The course will provide introductions to (visual) science communication, museum didactics, and engagement strategies enabling participants to make their findings accessible in creative and interactive ways. In cooperation with the Stadt-museum Tübingen, students will generate prototypes for exhibits that invite the public to engage with hazards and  the uncertainties, and will test them in a public event for community feedback.

Active participation in discussions and course activities, final project delivery

1. Identify uncertainties and potential impacts of global challenges related to natural hazards on the local level
2. Analyse the interests, requirements and motivations of diverse public audi-ences
3. Address the needs of cooperation partners in public engagement projects
4. Visualise (scientific) findings in creative and interactive museum exhibits

Thurdays, 2 to 6 pm, bi-weekly, starting on Oct 23rd

Placement in this course is very limited, please ensure to also register for alternative courses.

Everyone can animate! This is an introductory course which in-cludes learning different types of animation such as flipbook, stop motion, and motion graphics. The course is based on understanding the 12 basic principles of animation, by the Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas in their 1981 book The Illusion of Life. The main objective of the course is to find the type of animation you enjoy making, through class exercises, games, and experimentation.

Thursdays, 4 to 6 pm