Sociology and Criminology
Digital Societies
Module code: L4080A
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Portfolio
How do social factors like race, gender and class get “inside” the digital technologies we use every day? And how might they shape the digital world we live in?
On this module, you’ll explore the rise of ‘the digital’ and its relationship to contemporary inequalities.
You’ll draw on contemporary sociological theories to explore digital technologies both as:
- ‘socially shaped’ by dominant norms and assumptions
- technical objects that transform our social world.
Across the module, you’ll investigate a range of contemporary debates regarding:
- digital infrastructures
- social media
- algorithmic technologies.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of sociological and other perspectives on different aspects of digital societies
- Critically explore debates about the impact of digital technologies on core sociological issues (race, gender, class, etc.)
- Assimilate and evaluate evidence from studies of digital societies which is relevant to digital sociology
- Make appropriate use of empirical data and theoretical work on digital societies to produce coherent and detailed written work for an academic audience