School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences

Course Syllabus

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall
- further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
- develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

The objective of the course is to provide students with in-depth knowledge of European and international media law and its general principles, and to introduce the trends and legal frameworks that specifically address new media phenomena connected to the Internet, mobility, and social media.
At the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the laws that affect the media and new media sectors and of their fundamental principles.
Students will be able to critically evaluate the relationship between new media and law, and to examine and reflect on the legal and social issues affecting the production and use of the new technologies.
At the end of the course students should have develop the ability and capacity to independently examine and evaluate literature, and gain the central methods within New Media, Media, and IT law.
At the end of the course students have to demonstrate insights on the role of Media, New Media, and IT and democracy, and to demonstrate ability to discuss the significance of media as a tool affecting different areas of laws in our society.

Changes in technology produce changes in society. These in turn are bound to the practice and theory of law. Particular attention is dedicated in the course to the legal issues raised by the online distribution of digital content and services such as peer-to-peer, and to their impact on society at large and on business practices.
The course covers the most important European and international legal frameworks relevant for the media sector. Particular attention is given to the legal treatment of media in the European Single Market, and in special mode to the freedom to publish, to the free movement and trade in goods and services, to public services, and democracy in new media.
The course investigates the relationship between media and primary EU law, such as the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Treaties of the European Union, and the fundamental freedoms related to media, such as the freedom of expression, and the freedom to provide services. Secondary European legislation related to media and the Internet is discussed, as well as the principal international laws affecting media.
Tax legal issues are also examined in the context of electronic commerce, and digital delivery.
The course also considers new developments in media law, for example those connected to social media, with the final aim to gain an in-depth understanding of the nature of media law today and of its undergoing transformations, including the emergence of new rights and obligations, such as the right to oblivion.
Attention is also devoted to the historical evolution of the Internet and Media. The educational aim of this approach is to gain awareness on how the technology may change the law.

Lectures, individual assignments, seminars and a research paper.
Specific instructions for the seminars and assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Attendance and active participation during seminars is mandatory, as well as the completion of individual oral or written assignments is preparation for the seminars themselves.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

The student's final result is derived from the internal course credits. Student can obtain a maximum of 100 credits for the course. Of these:
- a maximum of 50 credits come from the research paper with oral presentation
- a maximum of 50 credits come from seminars and individual assignements

The results from the above mentioned examinations will be added together as a basis for the final grade on the course. The grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG)
To obtain a Pass (G) it is required that the student must achieve 60 internal credit points. To obtain a Pass with distinction (VG) it is required that the student must achieve 80 internal credit points.
In order to acquire the grade Pass (G) on the course, it is required that all mandatory parts of the course are fulfilled and the grade Pass (G) as the lowest on all examination methods, to be able to pass (G) the above mentioned examinations the student must achieve at least 30 internal credit points on each of the two. To obtain pass with distinction (VG) on each of the individual examinations it is required at least 40 internal credit points on either examination.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

180 credits at the first level out of which 90 credits with increasing depth within law, including an essay (G2E) of 15 credits; alternatively,180 credits at the first level of which 90 credits with increasing depth within media and communication studies, including an essay (G2E) of 15 credits. Additional requirements: English Course B/English Course 6.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

The course is given in English.

The grade will be based on a system of points given for participation in class, the assignments and seminars, and the research paper.


Transitional Provisions

For a course that has been cancelled or significantly changed in content or scope, there may be examinations on three occasions within 12 to 18 months after the changes have been made.

Required Reading

Relevanta artiklar omfattande ca 750 sidor för seminarierna anges i början av kursen på Blackboard./ Relevant articles and materials of approximately 750 pages for the seminars will be listed on Blackboard at the beginning of the course.

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