MAC102 Introduction to Media Studies
MAC102 Introduction to Media Studies
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Feb 02, 2026
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Media and Communication
TBA
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
To provide students with a foundational understanding of the key concepts, theories, and approaches related to media and communication. The course aims to equip students with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills necessary to engage with various forms of media in a thoughtful and informed manner.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
R. Campbell., C. Martin., B. Fabos., (2017) Media & Culture: An Introduction to Mass Communication (11th Edition), Bedford/St. Martin's
Additional Literature
S. Newbold., O. Boyd-Barret., H. Van den Bluck (2002) The Media Book, Oxford University Press Inc.Teaching Methods
Class will entail lectures, discussions, and practice exercises for guided concept learning
Additionally, 'One Minute Papers' will be used to track individual student progress and engagement; these will be collected as part of a cumulative point system, with formal feedback and evaluation provided once a comprehensive assessment of their progress is made
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Media Studies. Overview of the course | Discussion. Key concepts and terms in media studies |
| 2 | Key approaches to media studies. Liberal approach, Frankfurt school, Columbia school, Toronto school, Inverted determinism, Birmingham school | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 3 | Media and Society. Media effects on public opinion and behavior. Media and Social change | Lecture/Discussion One minute paper |
| 4 | Media and Technology. Evolution of media technologies. | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 5 | Media Audiences. Theories of audience reception and interpretation. | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 6 | Media Representation. Representation of race, gender, and class in media. Stereotypes and bias in media content | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 7 | Media and popular culture. The relationship between media and popular culture | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 8 | MIDTERM | Exam |
| 9 | Media industries. Structure and organization of media industries. | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 10 | Media Policy and Regulation. Overview of media laws and regulations | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 11 | International Media. Globalization and the media. | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 12 | Media Ethics. Ethical issues in media production and distribution. | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 13 | Social Media. Impact of social media on communication and society. | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 14 | Media Literacy. Techniques for analyzing media content. | Lecture/Discussion/One minute paper |
| 15 | Course Review and Final Exam Preparation | Discussion |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAC102.1 | Course | Thursday 16:00 - 18:50 | B F2.2 | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
| Day | Time | Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 19:00 - 19:50 |
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4
One minute paper
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4
Midterm exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 4
Attendance/Class Activity
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture Hours
42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)
One minute paper
48 hours ⏳ (12 week × 4 h)
Mid-term exam study
24 hours ⏳ (6 week × 4 h)
Final exam study
36 hours ⏳ (6 week × 6 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [MAC102] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Feb 02, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 30 | 1,2,3,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| One minute paper | 12 | 30 | 1,2,3,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Midterm exam | 1 | 30 | 1,2,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Attendance/Class Activity | 15 | 10 | 1,2 | Not Allowed | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture Hours | 3 | 14 | 42 | One minute paper | 4 | 12 | 48 | |||
| Mid-term exam study | 4 | 6 | 24 | Final exam study | 6 | 6 | 36 | |||
| 0 | ||||||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 20/02/2026 | |||||||||