General provisions

The course is offered in English.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time studies), including at least 90 credits of studies in social sciences or a comparable field that qualifies for studies in Digital Media and Society. All applicants need to verify English language proficiency. This is normally attested by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the module, students will be able to:

- demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of contemporary research on cyberculture and politics;

- critically evaluate central themes, theories and issues within the study of cyberculture and politics;

- demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between contemporary digital technologies and politics/political action;

- use qualitative data sources for analysing and assessing the relationship between contemporary digital technologies and politics/political action;

- analyse and reflect on complex material in group work;

- plan, manage and write independent reflective research papers;

- demonstrate an ability to present completed written work in oral form, and to provide constructive critical feedback on the work of others.

Content

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to theories and research on cybercommunities, online networking and social media, with a particular focus on the use of digital media for the purposes of political expression and activism. These issues will be addressed from local, national and global perspectives. A deeper understanding of theories and debates regarding if and how digital media have re-structured political organisation and action will be the at the core of the course.

Instruction

Lectures, tutoring and seminars.

Assessment

The course is examined by a written examination and active participation in seminars.