Course overview
This course situates contemporary data cultures in their social, cultural and political contexts. Students will explore how algorithms, metrics and dataveillance not only shape the practices of media industries and activities of media audiences, but also impact many facets of our everyday lives, including our work and leisure activities, our bodies and health, and the organisational structures that surround us. Through analysis of current practices and debates, students will think critically about the powerful role data cultures now play in both contemporary digital industries and in everyday life.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the social, cultural, and political contexts shaping contemporary data cultures and their influence on media and digital industries, and on everyday life
- Apply advanced theoretical concepts related to algorithms, metrics, quantification, and dataveillance to the interpretation and analysis of contemporary data cultures
- Analyse current and emerging practices and issues in media and digital industries, and assess their social, cultural, and political impacts
- Synthesise and evaluate major debates about contemporary data cultures and their role in media and digital industries, and in everyday life
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