Course Catalogue

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This course offers a thorough exploration of the constantly evolving and 'multidimensional' digital landscape. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of researching digital cultures both online and offline. They will analyse how individuals present themselves in the digital realm, investigate potential digital harms, and examine the role and implications of technology in 'subjecting' the dissemination of information and shaping social spheres. The course will also explore the biopolitical aspects involving the sociology of love and relationships in the digital age, scrutinize the pervasive influence of digital and smart technologies on daily life, and analyse the various ways in which digital media impacts culture and society. In sum, this course aims to provide students with a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of the societal, cultural, and ethical dimensions of the digital world in a practical and informative way.

10 x 2 hour in-person classes which combine short lecture inputs and seminar activities.

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30%: A 10-minute group presentation related to ILO 1-2: the students will be divided in proportional groups by interests and will discuss collectively, reflectively and critically a topic of the choice of the course, linking themes of their Formative Assessment. Use of audio-visual (including video) will be endorsed. Marks with be shared equally on the group members reflecting their engagement, involvement and contribution.

70%: Essay related to ILOs 1-6 above. The essay question will consist of a 3000-word critical piece discussing the theme of the course with course-related reading list.

This course is designed with four primary aims in mind. Firstly, it seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of sociological theories and concepts, emphasizing their relevance and application in the context of everyday media consumption and the intricate world of digital interactions. Secondly, the course explores the multifaceted landscape of digital interactions, focusing on how different generations engage with the internet and digital media. This exploration helps students understand the varied ways people connect and communicate in the digital age. Furthermore, it examines the digital journeys of individuals and communities, analysing how they navigate and utilize digital platforms and the resulting impact on their lives. This examination sheds light on the profound effects digital media has on personal and collective experiences.

Lastly, the course aims to foster critical thinking skills in students, enabling them to assess the role of digital practices in shaping contemporary societies. It encourages students to consider how these practices can influence social justice, equality, or inequality.

By the end of this course, students will be well-equipped with the knowledge and analytical tools to navigate and critically engage with the complex intersection of sociology and digital practices in today's world.

This course is designed to help students achieve several key outcomes. Firstly, students will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts and practices necessary to analyse and explain the societal changes brought about by the emergence of digital technologies in various aspects of social life, both public and private. Secondly, students will acquire extensive knowledge of the global context of digital advancements and social changes, focusing on their impact on contemporary digital and hybrid landscapes. This comprehensive understanding spans multiple dimensions of everyday practices influenced by these changes.

Thirdly, the course will cultivate advanced expertise in addressing the empirical and practical challenges posed by rapid technological evolution. This includes understanding new dimensions of harm and social engagements that arise from these changes. Fourthly, students will attain a high level of understanding of multi-layered digital perspectives and expectations, including discussions about the future and trends in the integration and advancement of digital technologies in social, economic, and political life. Additionally, the course will enable students to identify, analyse, and contextualize evolving power dynamics and inequalities within the dominant media forms, cultures, and norms of contemporary society. Lastly, students will demonstrate substantial autonomy and initiative in their written work, showcasing the ability to independently tackle complex topics and issues in the digital realms and interconnected society.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.