This course examines issues at the intersection of digital media, culture, and politics, such as regulation and network architecture, piracy and hacking, and grassroots activism. It provides you the opportunity to engage with a range of theories about cultural politics, democracy, liberalism, and neo-liberalism in relation to digital information and communication technologies.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe key terms that are relevant to the study of digital culture and politics, such as algorithms, digital media infrastructures, information, disinformation, and activism;
  • Explain how algorithms and digital infrastructures shape political opinions and behaviors;
  • Execute an independent research study;
  • Evaluate arguments, evidence, and opinions;
  • Assess various technological, social and ethical dilemmas that underpin the relationship between digital culture and politics today.

In this course, you will

  • Conduct a small-scale research study that investigates how Google search algorithms work;
  • Determine if search results resemble representational patterns in the broader media environment and what, if any, are the consequences to such representations;
  • Conduct a literature review and ask several people (e.g., family members/friends) to do a Google search on specific terms and talk to them about the search results;
  • Report findings in a video recorded research presentation.