# Institute of Communication and Media Studies of Leipzig University
**Wikidata**: [Q21042024](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21042024)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-of-communication-and-media-studies-of-leipzig-university

## Summary
The Institute of Communication and Media Studies of Leipzig University (IfKMW) is a research institute located in Leipzig, Germany, that operates as part of Leipzig University. Established on December 2, 1993, the organization focuses on the academic study of communication, media, journalism, and bibliology. It succeeded the Sektion Journalistik (Journalism Section) of the Karl Marx University Leipzig.

## Key Facts
- **Formal Name:** Institute of Communication and Media Studies of Leipzig University (German: Institut für Kommunikations- und Medienwissenschaft).
- **Abbreviation:** IfKMW
- **Location:** Leipzig, Germany
- **Parent Organization:** Leipzig University
- **Date Founded:** December 2, 1993
- **Instance Type:** Research institute
- **Predecessor:** Replaces the "Sektion Journalistik an der Karl-Marx-Universität Leipzig"
- **Fields of Work:** Communication studies, media studies, journalism studies, public relations research, media literacy, and bibliology.
- **Website:** http://www.kmw.uni-leipzig.de/
- **Authority Control IDs:** GND: 5107730-9, VIAF: 138012983, Library of Congress: n97025370.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Institute of Communication and Media Studies of Leipzig University founded?
A: The institute was founded on December 2, 1993. This creation date marks its formal establishment within Leipzig University.

### Q: What specific academic disciplines does the institute cover?
A: The institute's primary fields of work include communication studies, media studies, journalism studies, public relations research, media literacy, and bibliology.

### Q: What organization did the institute replace?
A: The Institute of Communication and Media Studies replaced the "Sektion Journalistik" (Journalism Section) at the Karl Marx University Leipzig.

## Why It Matters
The Institute of Communication and Media Studies of Leipzig University serves as a significant academic hub for media and communication research in Germany. Its importance is highlighted by its structural evolution; it succeeded the Sektion Journalistik of the Karl Marx University Leipzig, reflecting a transformation in journalistic and media education in the region following the university's renaming and restructuring in the post-reunification era.

By encompassing a wide array of disciplines—from traditional journalism studies and bibliology to modern public relations research and media literacy—the institute plays a critical role in analyzing how information is created, distributed, and consumed. Its status as a research institute indicates a primary dedication to advancing scholarly understanding in these fields, contributing to both academic discourse and the professional training of media specialists. Its integration into Leipzig University further solidifies its role as a key educational entity in the German academic landscape.

## Notable For
- **Historical Transition:** Replacing the Sektion Journalistik an der Karl-Marx-Universität Leipzig, marking a shift in media education structures in the 1990s.
- **Broad Research Scope:** Combining traditional fields like bibliography and bibliology with modern applied fields like public relations research and media literacy.
- **Academic Integration:** Functioning as a specialized research institute within the broader framework of Leipzig University.
- **Specific Founding Date:** Having a precise inception date of December 2, 1993, distinguishing its modern operational timeline.

## Body

### Overview and Classification
The Institute of Communication and Media Studies of Leipzig University (IfKMW) is classified as a research institute and academic organization. It is located in Leipzig, Germany, and operates as a constituent part of Leipzig University. The institute's primary purpose is research and education within its designated fields.

### Historical Context
The institute was officially established on December 2, 1993. It has a direct historical lineage to the "Sektion Journalistik an der Karl-Marx-Universität Leipzig" (Journalism Section at the Karl Marx University Leipzig), which it replaced. This transition occurred after the renaming of Karl Marx University back to Leipzig University in 1991, representing a reorganization of media studies faculties in the region.

### Academic Focus
The institute's work spans several interconnected disciplines. Its defined fields of work include:
*   **Core Studies:** Communication studies and media studies.
*   **Professional Practice:** Journalism studies and public relations research.
*   **Specialized Areas:** Media literacy and bibliology (the study of books and bibliography).

### Identification and Resources
The institute is indexed under several international authority file systems, confirming its standing in the academic community.
*   **Website:** The institute maintains an online presence at http://www.kmw.uni-leipzig.de/.
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n97025370
*   **GND ID:** 5107730-9
*   **VIAF ID:** 138012983
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11bwcxq678

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File