Social work and social care

Everyday Digital: Generation, Life-Course and Expertise

Module code: X3400E
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

You will examine new thinking on how digital technologies have become part of everyday lives in ways that both create and solve everyday problems.

This module is interdisciplinary in scope and draws on cutting edge research from across digital sociology and the digital humanities.

In the first part of the module you will be introduced to key concepts for understanding social and technical change, digital culture and the history of technology in the everyday.

In the second part you will examine how digital technologies have shaped different stages of the lifecourse – from reproduction and childhood, to adulthood and elderly care.

The final part will reflect on areas where technology has significantly re-configured everyday, living including romantic relationships, health care and political engagement.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of key theoretical concepts useful for making sense of how digital technologies penetrate and contribute to the remaking of everyday practices
• Recognise and illustrate the uneven ways in which change and continuity are lived between generations at any one historical moment, showing the interaction between technological change, expertise and everyday cultures.
• Apply these ideas to key moments in the life course and to areas of human activity and sociotechnical support Apply these ideas to key moments in the life course and to areas of human activity and sociotechnical support Apply these ideas to key moments in the life course and to areas of human activity and sociotechnical support
• Demonstrate confidence and competence in working with a range of digital methods and media