This document summarizes the findings of a study analyzing the teaching of media history at European universities. The study looked at 60 universities, 38 of which offered communication degrees, and 29 had courses on media history. The courses generally took a chronological approach starting in the 20th century and focused on either national/cultural histories or transnational comparisons. The objective was to use history as a tool to understand the present. A variety of perspectives were covered, including the history of media studies, media itself, and the relationship between media and the public sphere. However, some courses took a more positivist, factual approach while others aimed to develop analytical skills. Further research is needed, such as interviews with instructors.

1. THE HISTORY OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION AS
TAUGHT AT EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES
Mª Antonia Paz Rebollo (UCM)
Julio Montero Díaz (UNIR)
Francisco Segado-Boj (UNIR)

2. • Media History at European Universities:
• Where?
• Which Degrees on Communication Stories?
• Which Universities

3. • Media History at European Universities:
• What?
• Subject
• Reading lists
• Competences & objectives

4. • Method
• Analysis of syllabus:
• European Universities at QS university ranking
• Web search
• Content & Thematic analysis

5. • Quantitative results:
• 60 analysed Universities
• 38 with Communication Degrees
• 29 with courses on Media History
• 21 courses information available online

6. • Qualitative results
• Chronological focus: from XXth century
• Geographical focus: national & cultural / transnational, comparisons
• Objective: History as a tool for understanding the present

7. • Qualitative results
• Wide range of perspectives
• History of Media Studies & Communication Theory
• History of Media
• Relationships between Media & Public (Political, social) sphere

8. • Qualitative results
• Contradiction
• Positivist, linear, factual versions of history of communications
vs
• Analysis and understanding competences

9. • Limitation & further studies
• Small sample for qualitative analysis
• Little information provided by course information
• In-depth interviews / survey with teachers

10. Questions?

11. Thank you!