Communication channels I, documentaries, texts, images (HMM122F)

In the courses Communication channels I and Communication channels II, the basics of methods for the dissemination of cultural material in the humanities and social sciences are presented. Communication channels I is in the fall semester, while Communication channels II is in the spring semester. 

In Communication channels I, the students are working with a) text and images in the first half of the semester and b) short documentaries in the second half of the course. Each subject weighs 50% in the course. Concerning a) Students will receive training in article writing and discourse analysis on the one hand and use of images and image analysis on the other.  Concerning b) Students work on making short documentaries. It includes basic training in screenwriting, shooting and editing, and students work in groups on a documentary, according to a specific theme. 

There are no exams in the course. Instead, students work on projects, individual and group projects. They are the following:

1. Analysis of texts and images
2. An article with an image on a specific theme for publication, about 800 words.
3. A group project where students work on a short documentary that is shown at the end of the course. Emphasis is placed on common themes and group work in the course. The course is not taught remotely.

Tour of the cinema of reality (HMM802F)

The course will examine the history and development of documentaries.  Key works and authors will be presented, along with trends that have been throughout the history of documentaries such as direct cinema, cinema vérité, Grierson movement, Kinoks, film-diary.  We will look at how technological developments affected the making of documentaries.

The course is based on teachers' lectures, seminar discussions and specific films will be presented to the students.

The basics of editing will be taught, with students doing one project recorded on a phone and another project where archive material is edited.  The students will be taught how to use Adobe Premiere Pro editing software, reviewing basics such as how to upload content, edit footage, simple audio editing, text insertion and minor color correction.

Students are expected to take an active part in the course and practical projects.

Gamification in Culture & communication (HMM110M)

Gamification is a term that has been used in the last few years, i.e. in connection with presentation and communication concerning various information and educational material. Schools, museums and firms apply gamification increasingly to encourage engagement with product or service using methodology and technics from the world of computer-games. In this course we will research how new methods, new technology, and smart devices can be useful for those who are working in the field of cultural communication; projects in this field will be presented, we will do some field trips and make experiments. The course will mainly be taught on-line. This course is in collaboration with Gunnar Gunnarsson Institute at Skriðuklaustur.

Fundamentals in Web Communications (HMM120F)

Constant technological development and emphasis on digital solutions has brought about frequent and numerous changes in the role of the webmaster. In this course, Efforts will be made to provide students with good insight into the main aspects of the webmaster's work. The writings of experts and scholars will be examined, and students will be introduced to the necessary tools and equipment. Professionals in the field will visit and share their experience with students.

The job of a web editor is often integrated with general web management. Students get a good insight into web editing and writing for digital media. The main aspects that a webmaster / web editor needs to be able to master will be discussed, such as information architecture, writing for the web, presentation of images, fundamentals in web design, accessibility, usability, security, analytics, content management systems (CMS), and basic web interface technology.

Students set up their own websites and use a CMS of their choice, e.g., WordPress or Wix, which are both available in free versions, and some of the assignments are submitted on there. In this way, students gain training in setting up a simple website. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that instruction in the use of the CMS is not part of the course. Those who have no or limited experience, in the use of CMS, are advised that YouTube has numerous videos where you can learn about the systems, from the basics to much more complex aspects that are expected in this course.

Innovation - from idea to product (HMM121F)

This course covers innovation and entrepreneurship broadly; discovering and assessing ideas and opportunities, project management, business development, financing and marketing. The teaching focuses on the entrepreneurial process from idea to market. Innovation is introduced as a process that starts with business idea development and assessing market needs. Next, the focus is on project management and business planning. In the end, financing and other means of resources are presented as the entrepreneurial environment is discussed.

Radio production and podcasting (HMM235F)

The course is run in cooperation with the state radio station: RÚV - Rás 1. Discussion will take place into the presentation of radio/audio material, various examples being examined. Attention will be given to the nature of audio communication and the possibilities of audio communication in the present media environment. Attention is also paid to concept development, interview techniques, recording techniques, dramaturgy and editing, accentuating sustainability and self-reliance. All students will complete a final project involving the making of radio programmes.

Communication channels II. Oral presentations, exhibitions, digital communication (HMM242F)

In the course Communication channels II during the spring semester the students work with the following communication methods: a) oral presentation and b) exhibitions of cultural and historical material. Digital communication will be integrated into both aspects.

The students will work with the basics of oral presentation and practice in smaller and larger groups. Basic issues regarding the organization of conferences and seminars and their management will also be reviewed and a conference is held where all students present their projects. Digital communication will also be integrated into this section. Following is a section about exhibitions with connection to digital communication. The basics of exhibitions and different ways of presentation will be discussed.  The basics of digital communication will be covered, what are the main channels, advantages and disadvantages, and what rules apply to the presentation of texts on the web.

There are no exams in the course. Instead, students work on projects, individual and group projects. They are the following:

1. Lecture at a conference and other projects in that context
2. Exhibition analysis and a practical project in connection with exhibitions organized by the City History Museum (Borgarsögusafn)
3. Digital communication will be integrated into both aspects. Emphasis is placed on common themes and group work in the course.

The course is not taught remotely.

Digital and Social Innovation (HMM241F)

In this course, diverse manifestations of innovation in culture and communication, will be discussed, with focus on digital technology. Emphasis will be placed on the activities and management of organisations that work in communication and the creative industries. The role of innovation and the creative economy, societal innovation, and how to sustain entrepreneurship in projects will be discussed. Opportunities for utilisation will be explored and methods will be introduced to support the discovery, analysis and application of such opportunities. 

Presentation of Material in Exhibitions (HMM201F)

Different approaches in show rooms will be examined. A variety of exhibitions will be viewed and the diverse underlying ideologies analysed. The main elements of museum operation will be discussed, listing different material and methods. Students will create an exhibition project.

Generative AI and Creativity (HMM803F)

The course will discuss the impact of generative AI on creativity and expression, and explored whether and how it can be used to create content such as text, images, music, and videos. Topics such as what is creation; what is AI; and can generative AI be used to create art and content will be discussed, along with ethical issues and questions regarding copyright on the content created with the help of AI. At the same time, students will be creating their own content with the help of AI, which will be reviewed in class.

Culture and Cultural Communication (HMM240F)

The course critically engages with the concept of culture, addressing predominant conceptualizations while simultaneously exploring the role, conditions and influence of culture in the present. The objective is to generate a disciplined discussion on cultural heritage, cultural politics and policy, and cultural sustainability in conjunction with questions on the practicality of presenting and communicating expressions of culture. Attention is paid to the relationship between the cultural field and other social, political and economic aspects of society and how these enable and limit the communication and dissemination of cultural resources. Questions on how cultural heritage, traditions, collective memory, ideas on authenticity and identity generate the formation and reproduction of cultural constellations are dealt with as well as how conceptualizations such as ‘cultural capital’, ‘cultural hegemony’ and ‘authorized discourse on heritage’ can be employed to understand and analyze manifestations of culture.

Presentation of Material in Exhibitions (HMM201F)

Different approaches in show rooms will be examined. A variety of exhibitions will be viewed and the diverse underlying ideologies analysed. The main elements of museum operation will be discussed, listing different material and methods. Students will create an exhibition project.

Creative Documentary (HMM220F)

The basic types of documentaries will be discussed as well as methods of documentary making, editing and cinematography. Emphasis will be put on practical projects and students will be required to make at least one documentary during the course.