Media and film studies

Questioning the Digital B

Module code: P5082
Level 5
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Workshop, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework

Questioning the Digital uses new digital research methods to study media and communications. You develop the skills necessary to collect data from the web and social media, visualise that data and analyse it. You learn how media scholars are using digital methods to analyse issues online such as state internet censorship, the circulation of ‘fake news’, the growth of climate change scepticism, political extremism, and geographical differences in attitudes to political rights. You will develop the skills you need to design and undertake digital humanities research but also grapple with the questions that arise when dealing with new forms of data collection, visualisation and analysis, such as those of algorithmic bias in relation to race and gender.

Module learning outcomes

• Appreciate key developments in Digital Humanities research and Digital Humanities methods.
• Critically evaluate Digital Humanities methods and perspectives, including issues arising around the forms of knowledge produced.
• Implement media and communications research projects using Digital Humanities techniques and methods, including data collections, big data analysis and modes of visualisation and interpretation.
• Utilise knowledge about the ethics of big data and algorithmic research, including data bias and privacy issues.