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  6. IH5506: Eurovision: More than a Song Contest

IH5506: EUROVISION: MORE THAN A SONG CONTEST (2025-2026)

Last modified: 20 Jun 2025 15:13


Course Overview

This interdisciplinary online course explores the profound impact of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) on culture, memory, and identity across Europe. Students will delve into the contest's historical origins and its evolution into a significant cultural phenomenon that transcends borders, politics, and languages.

 Through lectures, discussions, and interactive discussions, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how the Eurovision Song Contest shapes cultural narratives, fosters memory, and influences identity in contemporary Europe. This course is ideal for students interested in cultural studies, media, politics, and music, providing valuable insights into the complexities of European identity in a globalized world.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 0 credits (0 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Barbara Barreiro

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied) or Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course combines elements of media studies, cultural diplomacy, politics, and entertainment, making it attractive to students and academics from diverse fields. Throughout the course, participants will examine various themes, including:

  • Cultural Representation: Analyse how Eurovision reflects diverse cultural identities and promotes dialogue among nations. Explore the representation of marginalized groups and the contest's role in advancing social change.
  • Memory and Nostalgia: Investigate how Eurovision serves as a collective memory tool, shaping national and European identities through memorable performances and iconic songs that resonate across generations.
  • Political Dimensions: Discuss the contest's political implications, including its role in soft power, diplomacy, and the reflection of geopolitical tensions in song choices and voting patterns.
  • Media and Spectacle: Critically assess the media's role in framing Eurovision as a global event, exploring its influence on public perception and fan engagement.
  • Fan Culture: Explore the vibrant fan communities surrounding Eurovision and their contributions to the contest's legacy, including social media engagement, fan festivals, and grassroots movements.

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

This course does not have a summative assessment

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

Recorded Presentation

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Feedback will be given individually and in writing via MyAberdeen
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate the different methodologies through an interdisciplinary approach to understand the national, historical and memory representations offered by the festival.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the different processes through which the history and geopolitics of Europe have been applied to the Eurovision Song Contest and how it has mirrored European society.
ProceduralAnalyseAnalyse the different modes of representing memory using the Eurovision song Contest as a case study.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralAnalyseAnalyse the different modes of representing memory using the Eurovision song Contest as a case study.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the different processes through which the history and geopolitics of Europe have been applied to the Eurovision Song Contest and how it has mirrored European society.
ConceptualEvaluateEvaluate the different methodologies through an interdisciplinary approach to understand the national, historical and memory representations offered by the festival.
 

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