Internet, Social Media and Society, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course introduces the student to sociology with a special focus on digital sociology. The course addresses the following themes relating to the digitization of society: power disparities; democracy; surveillance; work and participation. Digital communication and interaction, as well as the interplay between the internet, social media and society are in focus. A sociological and behavioural science perspective is applied to questions relating to digital technology, social change and the social and cultural aspects of digital media.

Expected learning outcomes

In terms of knowledge and understanding, and on successful completion of the course, the student will:

• be able to explain central theoretical concepts in digital sociology
• demonstrate a basic understanding of applied research in digital sociology
• demonstrate a basic understanding of how the internet and social media have been analysed sociologically, and independently grasp theoretical debates in the field of digital sociology
• show a basic understanding of, and independently describe, research on the relations between technology and social change, power disparities, democracy, surveillance, work and participation.

In terms of skills and proficiency, and on successful completion of the course, the student will:

• be able to prepare, lead and conduct oral and written discussions relating to digital sociology
• have the ability to independently reflect on questions of digitization, technology, social relations and social change, in ways informed by research and theory. 

In terms of the logics of inquiry and valuing, and on successful completion of the course, the student will:

• show independent basic skills in conducting theoretically informed analyses of issues relating to digitization, technology, social relations and social change
• bring a critical investigative approach to questions in digital sociology, discuss and argue one's position in relation to such questions.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The course content is delivered through lectures, seminars and group exercises.

Examination modes

The course is examined through two individually written take-home exams, as well as active participation in seminars.

The assessment must be individual or designed in such a way that individual examination can take place at all courses organized by the department. The Swedish grading system states that the following grades may be awarded: Pass with Distinction (väl godkänd), Pass (godkänd) or Fail (underkänd). For comparison of grades, Umeå University has decided that the ECTS Grading Table (EGT) shall be used. International students' home university is responsible for any translation into their local grading system.

For each examining part of the course is a regular examination given with a second reexamination within two months after the regular examination. For examinations performed in May and June is the first reexamination offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition to this is a third reexamination given within a year after the end of the course. Examination based on the same course plan as the regular examination is guaranteed within two years after the earlier course plan has ceased to be valid or the course is no longer given (see rules for grades and examination on basic and advanced level, Dnr: FS 1.1.2-553-14). A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course is entitled to have another examiner appointed after a written request to the head of department.

Deviations from the form of examination in the course plan can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to disabilities. Individual adjustment of the examination form shall be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the course plan. After a request from the student shall the course coordinator, in consultation with the examiner, quickly decide on the adjusted form of examination. The decision is then to be reported to the student.

Transfer of credits
In order to transfer credits to a corresponding course at Umeå University, students have the right to submit previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession for evaluation. Application for transfer of credits is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. More information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's student website, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal for transfer of credits may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies whether the entire application or part of the application for transfer of credits is refused.