The interdisciplinary perspective make the MEKK- projects relevant to all the study programmes at our department: BA in journalism; photojournalism; and media and communication. The projects are of huge relevance to the research-based as well as more practical studies at both BA, MA and PhD level.

Current study programmes:

PhD programme: Safety Matters

The 5 ETCs PhD course introduces the field of safety of journalists as one of scientific knowledge and institutional practices. Attacks on media professionals is a growing problem globally and threats and violence against journalists affect freedom of expression and the public sphere. The course is an important part of the new PhD in Journalism and Media studies at OsloMet University, where universities in USA, Brazil and South Africa are partners. It is funded by the Norwegian Research Council Intpart programme (ES692282).

MJ4401 Media in War, Crisis and Conflict

The media are influential in raising awareness and building knowledge of conflicts and wars, and increasingly also become part of/are used in various conflicts. This Master course brings together theory and practice to explore the possibilities and challenges involved in contemporary reporting of peace and conflict. Whereas new technologies mean increased surveillance and enhanced disinformation processes, they may also involve new possibilities for journalists covering crisis and conflict. The minority and gender dimensions of conflict reporting will be of particular interest to discussions of whose perspectives we actually get to hear or see through the news media. Parts of the course reflect upon how in times of war, crisis and conflict, the dangers media workers are exposed to are more imminent than in ordinary times, and focus on what individuals and institutions can do to limit such dangers.

MJ 5100 Investigtive Journalism and cross-border cooperation

Journalism is changing and so is investigative journalism. Among the factors that affect investigative journalism are emerging digital media and changing technology. This Master course aims to encourage investigative journalism in digital times, and gives students the opportunity to collaborate across borders using digital technology. A rising trend within international investigative journalism is how reporters to a larger degree than before collaborate across borders and exchange useful information and data. The course seeks to deepen the understanding and knowledge of such investigative journalism.

JB3200 Journalist i en globalisert verden (Journalist in a globalized world)

BA course in Norwegian. The course builds up to the final work of the three years of the BA in journalism: a large reportage from an international environment. The course builds on journalistic skills and practices that the student has acquired, not leas in reportage and investigative journalism, source criticism and research skills. Through the course the student learns how to carry out research and journalistic work in an international and foreign environment.

JB1500 Menneskerettigheter, ytrings- og pressefrihet (Human rights, freedom of expression and press freedom)

BA course in Norwegian. The course deals with human rights, freedom of speech and the press, nationally and internationally. Combining a series of theoretical lectures with a three-week practical ‘press rig’, where the students examine the state of press freedom in selected countries around the world.

The NORPART programme: Expanding Horizons in Journalism and Media Studies