Mediefag

Mediefag is a term used in Norwegian education and scholarship to denote both a subject in upper secondary school and the broader academic field of media studies. In the school context, mediefag aims to develop students’ ability to understand, evaluate, and create media content, with a focus on media literacy, critical reading of texts, and practical production skills.

In secondary education, the subject covers analysis of film, television, online and social media, and the representation of people and groups in media. It includes discussions of genres, conventions, and the role of media in society, as well as ethics, law, and copyright. Students often undertake hands-on projects such as producing video reports, podcasts, or short films, using editing and production tools, and conducting audience research. Assessments typically combine portfolios, practical assignments, and written examinations.

As an academic field, mediefag (or mediefag studies) investigates media institutions, audiences, technologies, content, and cultural impact. It is interdisciplinary, drawing on sociology, cultural studies, communication theory, film studies, and journalism studies. Researchers examine how media shapes and reflects society, how audiences interpret media, and how new technologies influence media production and distribution. The term is used in university and college programs under the umbrella of media studies or mediefag, reflecting its dual role as a teaching subject and a scholarly discipline.