August 16-22, 2026

Jönköping University Sweden

Deadline: March 1, 2026

Democracy depends on engaged citizens. And yet, the most powerful discourses surrounding engagement are strategically designed to drive commercial markets. As a counterpoint to this horizon, the main purpose of this PhD residential course is to understand theories and methods of media engagement not as a metric but as a marker of power relations.

This 7.5 credit course offers an international platform for PhD researchers to write, present and receive feedback on work in progress from global experts on theories and methods for media engagement. The course will cover key concepts for engagement, including political and public spheres, digital media and AI related technologies, social movements and mobilisation, transmedia engagement, and cultural citizenship and popular culture.

Key Highlights:

Mentoring and networking with world leading scholars and international doctoral researchers; slow thinking, with time to write thesis chapters and peer reviewed journal articles; residential setting of Gränna Campus, overlooking the great lake of Vättern, with easy access to local food and crafts, clear water swimming, nature walks and mountain views; social events, including trips to the historical island of Visingsö.

Teaching Team:

course leader Annette Hill (co author with Dahlgren of Media Engagement Routledge 2023), Peter Dahlgren (author of Media and Political Engagement 2009), Renira Gambarato (author of Streaming Media and Cultural Memory in a Postdigital Society 2024) and Hario Priambodho (author The Cult Film Atmosphere 2025).

Website and application: for information on the course, application process, fees, and key dates see https://ju.se/samarbeta/event-och-konferenser/event/phd-summer-course-media-engagement.html

Contact: Annette Hill (Annette.hill@ju.se)