B7274 - THE DIGITAL AGE UNVEILED: TECH, CONSUMPTION, INEQUALITY, CULTURE

Learning outcomes

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the digital age and the platform economy's societal impacts. Through blended learning and international collaboration, they will critically assess the effects on work, consumption, health, and civic engagement while enhancing their communication skills for effectively presenting research findings.

Course contents

The course explores the complex dynamics of digital society, focusing on key concepts and theories related to the digital age, including the rise of the platform economy and its impact on societal structures. It examines how digital transformation affects various aspects of social life, such as work, consumption, health, identity, welfare systems, personal relationships, and civic engagement.

Additionally, the course delves into the role of digital technologies in shaping consumption patterns, exacerbating or mitigating inequalities, and influencing cultural shifts. Specific social domains, such as gender and intimate relationships, global capitalism and the environment, diaspora communities, social protest and activism, and political and scientific communication, are analyzed to understand the intricate connections between technology, consumption, inequalities, and cultural transformations.

The course benefits from an international cultural perspective, drawing on the expertise of European scholars who are leaders in the field. This diverse faculty enriches the critical approach, encouraging in-depth analysis and discussion of the societal changes driven by digitalization.

Readings/Bibliography

Students will receive access to specific digital literature and databases, providing a wealth of resources to support their learning. This includes scholarly articles, books, and research papers on digital society, technology, consumption, inequality, and culture. Access to these comprehensive digital libraries and databases will enable students to explore and engage deeply with the course material.

Teaching methods

The course adopts a blended learning approach, combining one week of in-person sessions with one week of online learning. In-person activities include interactive discussions, group projects, and live demonstrations, enhancing understanding and community building. The online component uses digital tools for flexible access to resources, online forums, and collaborative projects. Innovative methods such as case studies and digital research projects, along with guest lectures from international experts, enrich the learning experience, emphasizing both practical applications and global perspectives.

Assessment methods

Students will be assessed through a group presentation and an individual paper. The group presentation will involve collaborative exploration of a topic related to the digital age, while the individual paper will allow for in-depth analysis of a specific aspect of digital society. This combination ensures a balanced evaluation of both collaborative and individual critical thinking skills.

Teaching tools

Explore advanced tools like NVivo for qualitative analysis and social media analytics platforms for studying digital interactions.

Utilize online platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft 365 to facilitate interactive and collaborative learning in digital sociology.

Office hours

See the website of Piergiorgio Degli Esposti