TEACHING


Useful Information for Students

Communication and Media Theory

This lecture the Insitute for Sociology at JLU Giessen provides an overview of key communication and media theories, highlighting their relevance and application in contemporary digital and datafied environments. It traces the development of the field from classical theories and foundational topics to current discourses and areas of conflict within media research. The course includes the reading and critical discussion of related texts. Active student participation is strongly encouraged and supported through interactive formats. 

Media Literacy

Media literacy is a central—though at times ambiguous—concept of our time. It encompasses not only content but also engagement with networks and evolving technologies. At the same time, its importance is growing rapidly—in families, everyday life, and educational institutions. This raises the question of what truly matters in the meaningful development of media literacy. This class, aiming at educating school teachers at JLU Giessen, introduces various theoretical concepts of media and technological literacy, as well as approaches to teaching these competencies. Through reflective self-observation, students will explore and test these approaches for their explanatory power and practical relevance in teaching practice.

Technography as a Method

The aim of this summer 2025 course at the Institute for Sociology at JLU Giessen is to gain an in-depth understanding of and hands-on experience with the method of technography. Technographies are a qualitative method for exploring communication and media environments in datafied societies. A particular focus is placed on investigating digital spaces and their material characteristics. Specific case studies—such as a supermarket app or platforms in the field of social media—will be identified collaboratively and explored in small research projects.

Useful information for Students

  • Office hours for JLU Giessen students: I offer regular online and offline office hours. Find further information on StudIP.
  • Office hours for external students: Please send a direct message to johanna.moeller[at]sowi.uni-giessen.de
  • Thesis supervision: I welcome B.A. and M.A. students that aim to write theses on media sociology related topics.
  • Communication and Media Theory: The summer 2025 class will be completely recorded, find the lecture on ILIAS.