This module aims to introduce students to the study of online media and platforms, with a particular focus on ‘big’ social trace data. As well as developing their understanding of how Internet-based media systems work, students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of using big data and engage with key online political communication policy questions.

(LO1) Students will analyse interactions between the media, platforms, and citizens.

(LO2) Students will demonstrate their understanding of how digital data is generated, collected and used in the modern world.

(LO3) Students will engage with key current debates around media, data and society.

(S1) Students will develop their skills in building and presenting an argument, while selecting appropriate sources.

(S2) Students will further develop their academic writing skills.

(S3) Students will develop skills in critically engaging with evidence.

The content of the module is research-driven and contemporary. Students will attend an overview lecture and will then be asked to complete independent reading in preparation for an active seminar. Seminars will start with a presentation by a member of the class on the assigned readings and will then continue with a guided class discussion.

The content for this module is broadly divided into two blocs. The first bloc covers foundations, with content such as the development of the Internet and social media, the characteristics of big data (both helpful and unhelpful), the nature of social networks, and understandings of social media and user content. The second bloc goes into more depth into some of the opportunities and threats that arise in online political communication, covering topics such as misinformation, disinformation and trolling; hate speech and radicalisation; participation, protest, polarisation, and echo chambers; and the effects of digital and social media o n well-being.

Summary of Learning and Teaching Methods:
Teaching method: Lectures and seminars
Description: Weekly lecture plus weekly seminar
This activity may be online or on campus and could be subject to changes.
Schedule directed student hours: 24
Unscheduled directed student hours: 126
Attendance recorded: YES
Notes: Lecture ideally before seminars
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Reading key and suggested literature, reviewing lecture slides, researching and writing the summative coursework.