Sociology and Criminology

Digital Societies

Module code: L4080A
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module critically explores how contemporary societies are being shaped by digital technologies.

It will place the emergence of ‘the digital’ in historical perspective and examine its relationship to a number of historic and contemporary inequalities. It will draw on contemporary sociological theories to explore digital technologies both as ‘socially shaped’ by dominant norms and assumptions, and as technical objects that transform our social world.

During the module, we will investigate a range of contemporary debates including:

• digital infrastructures
• social media networks
• algorithms & AI.

to assess how digital technologies impact upon core sociological issues, especially questions of race, class, and gender.

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