Media and film studies

Digital Histories, Objects and Processes

Module code: P5081
Level 4
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework

Digital Histories, Objects and Processes allows you to evaluate critical forms of digital media as they have emerged historically and appreciate the processes through which they have come into being, with reference to social, cultural and technological change.

The module adopts a media archaeological approach where the focus is on examining media artefacts and archives in order to understand what they tell us both about media history and the shape of contemporary digital media.

The aim of this module is to for you to gain an understanding, through research and critical analysis, of the ways in which digital histories can be understood and applied. The module also looks at alternative histories of the digital, such as those emerging in critical race and feminist digital studies.

Module learning outcomes

• Show through applied analysis the connections and discontinuities between digital media andthe media of the past.
• Distinguish forms of communication, media and culture as they have emerged historically with reference to social, cultural and technological change.
• Apply media archaeology as a method for media historical research.
• Develop ideas and arguments about media archaeology effectively in written form.