Specialisation 2: Geomedia, public opinion, and the public sphere

The course introduces perspectives and theories on public opinion and the public sphere as well as the relationship of these phenomena to spatiality and public spaces. The mechanisms of public opinion are described, as well as the conditions of various forms of public opinion efforts. The concepts "public opinion" and "public opinion efforts" are defined broadly, including for instance PR, lobbying, advertising, propaganda, and journalism, but also popular culture texts (such as films or photography). Digital arenas and spaces for public opinion are described, as well as the role of mobility and mobile media in public opinion and the public sphere. The course introduces the connections between public opinion, attempts to influence public opinion, and marketing in relation to for instance place marketing. Methods and methodological problems related to the study of public opinion and public spaces are included. The course provides students with tools for understanding and analysing the relationship between public opinion, the public sphere, and public spaces, for documenting public opinion efforts in relation to public spaces, and for analysing the outcomes of such efforts in terms of the theoretical framework of the course.