European Media Regulation: Trends & Predictions 2700-ERASMUS-EMR

After completing the course, students:

KNOWLEDGE:
• know the basic concepts in the field of media studies, in particular the terminology related to media regulation,
• understand the most important aspects, levels and areas of media regulation,
• have a basic knowledge of the legal conditions of the functioning as well as good practices of media and advertising institutions and the market in which they operate,
• know legal institutions and relations between them in democratic countries, as well as normative acts regulating the functioning of the media, information and telecommunications systems,
• identify some crucial dilemmas related to the functioning of the media,
• recognize additional responsibilities of public media in comparison to commercial ones,
• reflect on their rights on the Internet,
• know that freedom of speech does not mean impunity in the public sphere;

SKILLS:
• are able to distinguish ethical principles from legal provisions,
• are aware of the responsibility and consequences of actions in the media sphere,
• understand selected legal acts and ethical codes,
• give examples of unfair practices in advertising,
• develop a habit of independent ethical reflection on the mass media content,
• prepare a logical argument and discussion on media regulation,
• are able to diagnose the multidimensional phenomena and processes of the mediatized reality of contemporary political, economic and cultural systems;

OTHER COMPETENCES:
• use the acquired knowledge and skills to analyse the phenomena and problems of modern media regulation,
• diagnose problems at the interface between different systems,
• wonder about their digital footprint and profile,
• are able to critically distinguish between theory and practice;

Assessment methods:
- description,
- explanation with elements of lecture,
- discussion,
- case studies,
- group tasks,
- project.

Assessment criteria:

To pass the course, students must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Attendance
• A maximum of two unexcused absences per semester is permitted. Unexcused absences within this limit do not need to be made up.
• Excused absences (e.g. due to illness) may be made up by completing an additional assignment in a form and by a deadline specified by the lecturer (e.g. an additional written assignment or an analysis of an assigned case study).
• Actual attendance must exceed 50% of all classes during the semester. If a student is absent from 50% or more of the classes, passing the course is not possible.
• Absences should be reported and justified promptly, by email or during the next class. The lecturer reserves the right to request appropriate medical documentation.

2. In-class participation
• Assessment includes substantive participation in discussions, preparation for classes, completion of assignments (including homework), and participation in the analysis of media materials and publications.
• Participation is assessed continuously throughout the semester.

3. Final assessment
• In order to pass the course, students must successfully complete one of the following two assessment options of their choice:
a) a written test, conducted in English and covering the material discussed during the course; a minimum score of 50% of the total available points is required to pass;
b) a group project focusing on a selected issue related to the regulation of media and digital platforms. The project should combine an overview of the relevant regulatory framework with an analysis of specific issues, examples or cases, as well as an assessment of the significance of regulation for the functioning of contemporary media. The project is assessed on the basis of substantive accuracy, knowledge and appropriate application of the regulations discussed during the course, the quality of sources and examples used, the ability to critically analyse the selected issue, the coherence of the argument and conclusions, and the overall quality of the presentation.

Students may pass the course only if all of the above requirements are met. The lecturer does not allow for retaking or improving grades once they are positive.

In written and multimedia assignments (both coursework and home), the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems is exceptionally permitted, e.g. for structuring content, obtaining suggestions regarding the form of the work, or receiving language support when working with publications in foreign languages. Any use of AI must be clearly indicated in a note included in the assignment. The final version should constitute the student’s own independent contribution, and the student bears full responsibility for the content and academic integrity of the work.

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