Østfold University of Applied Sciences offers SFBS30321 course on digital platforms; focus on disinformation, fake news, propaganda
SFBS30321 Communication and culture dissemination on digital platforms (Spring 2027) – Østfold University of Applied Sciences
SFBS30321 Communication and culture dissemination on digital platforms (Spring 2027)
The course is affiliated to the following study programme
Optional course in the Bachelor’s Programme in Languages.
Mandatory course in the Bachelor’s program in Communication
There must be a sufficient number of enrolled students for the course to be offered. This applies to both the course itself and across the various target languages.
The Bachelor’s Programme in Languages: 6th semester (Spring).
The Bachelor’s Programme in Communication: 2nd semester (Spring)
A general part in English:
There is a basic introduction to various purposes of communication and cultural dissemination on digital platforms. The concept of “culture” can here be understood on two levels. One is the transmission of various types of cultural content, such as literature, music, film, etc., through asynchronous communication (blogs, podcasts, digital encyclopedias, etc.) or synchronous communication ( live streaming, etc. ). Therefore, an introduction is provided on the use of various tools
digital platforms related to cultural dissemination on digital platforms.
The second level is related to how communication and culture on digital platforms influence a society. This involves how different societal actors utilize digital platforms and how societal debates are shaped by new media.
An important aim of the course will be to understand the interaction between sender, receiver, and media on one side, and between intention, message, means, and impact on the other, concerning the ability to distinguish between communication, propaganda, and fake news. Another important aim of the course is to highlight the democratic challenges associated with the above interactions.
The course will explore theories on how language, text, and various audiovisual expressions are utilized to convey culture in digital media and on digital platforms. It will also examine various forms of interaction in social media (Twitter, etc.) where different cultural and current societal topics are debated.
Students will become familiar with how the above issues manifest, especially in different languages and cultural frameworks. Examples will be drawn from Norwegian, English, French, Spanish, or German culture and context.
Students will also work in practical manners, and create content for various digital platforms themselves.
The conceptual framework that the students have acquired in Norwegian, in the common part, will be transferred and strengthened in the target language, through literature and examples from the target language area. The students receive training in content analysis and critical thinking regarding the relationship between messages and media forms. Societal and cultural knowledge is central in the course.
In connection with the requirements of the course, there is room for students to combine their theoretical knowledge within the subject from the common part with more concrete forms of communication related to the chosen languages.
The student’s learning outcomes on passing the course
has broad knowledge of various aspects of cultural communication in today’s society and the past, including how different cultures interact
has knowledge of different ways digital tools and platforms can be used to convey culture
has knowledge of how messages are crafted and adapted to different media forms
has knowledge of ethical dimensions related to cultural communication on digital platforms, with a focus on disinformation, fake news, and propaganda
can explain theories related to the communication of culture on digital platforms
can explain various techniques used to convey culture on digital platforms
can interpret and create a message related to cultural communication on different digital platforms
can discuss the ethical aspects and dilemmas of cultural communication on digital platforms
has acquired theoretical knowledge about the communication of culture on digital platforms
has established a foundation for interpreting and conveying culture, as well as producing a message in the target language tailored to the audience on digital platforms
has developed their ability for critical thinking related to the communication of culture on digital platforms
has strengthened their language skills in the language used in the course
Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam
An individual portfolio exam in the form of a “communication strategy” consisting of the following components:
A brief reflection note describing the strategy the student has chosen for communicating cultural content.
An audio file in podcast format, which may address a cultural or societal topic, or cultural
societal aspects related to the use of digital platforms.
Informational material about the cultural
societal content described above adapted for various digital platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or via a website).
The exam must be submitted in the target language (English, French, German, or Spanish).
Feedback from our students is crucial for us to be able to offer the best possible courses and study programs. The course is evaluated every semester.
The results are processed by:
Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages >
Department of Languages, Literature and Culture >
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Aug. 8, 2026 4:31:15 PM