Social Media Communications

The MA in Social Media Communications offers a critical examination of the history, operation, ramifications, functions, use and embeddedness of social media in all spheres of life. It is aimed at people who look for a critical reflection on social media, who wish to understand their uses, and also learn how to analyse and mobilize them strategically. The emphasis of the course is on a social scientific understanding and analysis of the emergence and functions of social media in a globalized networked society. The course addresses the way in which social media became involved in and change personal lives, habits and identities, social lives, the way in which we relate to and coexist with other people; the way in which we work and live our everyday lives; and life, which changes as a result of the ongoing engagement with social media by politicians, journalists and publics. The main idea behind this programme is that social media leave nothing untouched, introducing changes, sometimes subtle sometimes more apparent, that must be mapped, studied and understood. Successful use of social media is premised on a deep understanding of their roles and functions and ability to analyse current and emerging practices and trends.