COMM3790 Citizen Media

This module is designed to explore the changing nature of citizenship and its relationship to digital media. The module begins by introducing and evaluating competing understandings of citizenship. We will then examine a range of different expressions and practices of citizenship and the various forms of digital media that may support them, from online forums and blogs to viral media and data visualisations. As well as completing an academic essay, students will work on a research-based project where they will research, analyse and evaluate a particular form of online citizen media or a particular digital citizenship concept or phenomena.

On completion of the module, students should have a knowledge of theoretical frameworks that can be used to understand some different forms of, and perspectives on, citizenship. They should also understand the role of the public sphere and media within these ideas of citizenship and have a knowledge of how digital media systems can and do have an impact on this.
Students should be able to analyse and evaluate the role of contemporary digital media in citizenship models using theory to inform formal research on the topic.

The module will begin by introducing and evaluating different understandings of citizenship. We then examine a range of different expressions and practices of citizenship today and the various forms of new media that may support them, including, for example, forums, blogs, social networks, crowd-sourcing tools, and data mashups. Approaches to researching these concepts and phenomena are then covered, as well as the communication of novel ideas.

Compare and evaluate theories of citizenship
Reflect critically on the relationship between digital media and citizenship
Analyse digital media in relation to theories and practices of citizenship
Carry out research into the role and impact of digital media in citizenship and/or the impact of particular forms or applications of citizen media

Preparation for weekly lectures and seminars, for tutorials, and for module assessments.

Module assessment is designed to include a minor (40% weighting) piece to be submitted during the semester, with feedback before the end of the semester, and a major (60% weighting) piece to be submitted in the exam period after the semester. Therefore, the feedback from the first assessment can provide guidance to students and act as a progress monitor, before they finalise their work for the larger second assessment. The weekly seminars provide opportunity for more regular progress checking, as a space for dialogue about the critical concepts in the module schedule, but also about the module itself, and assessment.