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 in the social sciences or a comparable field. Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the module students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of contemporary research on digital media, political participation and agency on different levels,
• demonstrate substantial in-depth understanding of the relationship between contemporary digital technologies, politics and political action,
• demonstrate in-depth insight into current research and development in the field.

Skills and abilities

• critically, creatively and systematically evaluate central themes, theories and issues within the study of digital media, political participation and agency,
• collect empirical material for analysing and assessing the relationship between contemporary digital technologies, politics and political action,
• demonstrate an ability to present work in spoken form,
• reflect on and integrate complex material both individually and within a group,

Judgment and approach

• demonstrate skills in discussing one’s own and others research, participate in discussions and provide constructive criticism,
• adopt a critical approach to information and research in the field of digital media and political participation,
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need or requirements for further knowledge and to take charge of their own knowledge development.

Content

The course focuses on theories and perspectives for analysing the role that digital media and information technology play for political participation on different levels in society today. A particular emphasis is placed upon the agent’s role for participation and the interplay of digital media in this. Key theoretical concepts in the course are as follows: participation, power, politics and agency. A deeper understanding of theories and debates regarding if and how digital media have re-structured political organisation and political action will be at the core of the course.

Instruction

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment

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