Structure of the Curriculum

Introduction to Digital Studies (Y)

Course PDF
Introduction to Digital Studies (Y)
COURSE OUTLINE
GENERAL
SCHOOLSchool of Economics and Political Science
DEPARTMENTSociology
Level of StudyUndergraduate
COURSE CODE431030
COURSE TITLEIntroduction to Digital Studies (Y)
Independent Teaching Activities Weekly Teaching Hours CREDIT UNITS
Lectures - Exercises 3 6
TOTAL 3 6
Course TypeGeneral Background
Prerequisite CoursesNo
Teaching and Examination LanguageGreek
THE COURSE IS OFFERED TO ERASMUS STUDENTSNo
Course Webpage (URL)https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/SOC250/
(2) LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • Reconstruct historically and sociologically the emergence of the knowledge and information society.
  • Qualitatively, yet accurately define the concept of information at a scientific, linguistic, and social level.
  • Describe the ways in which knowledge and information are transformed into economic forces.
  • Describe the ways in which knowledge and information define the concept of citizenship in late modernity societies.
  • They are reorganizing the procedures for the Digital Transformation of society.
  • They study the ways in which social networks are transformed through the generalized use of information and communication technologies.
  • Explore the new forms of subjectivity emerging in digital and hybrid environments.
  • They highlight new possibilities for gender performances and self-actualization.
  • Describe the capabilities and limitations associated with the digital condition.
  • Highlight the productivity of the intersection of art and science in new knowledge environments.
  • Understand and critically evaluate the new processes of knowledge production, information, and misinformation in digital and hybrid environments.
  • They aesthetically appreciate and critically evaluate the language of New Media.

General Capabilities

  • Search, analysis and synthesis of data and information
  • Decision making
  • Adaptation to new situations
  • Teamwork
  • Working in an international environment
  • Working in an interdisciplinary environment
  • Generation of new research ideas
  • Demonstration of social and ethical sensitivity regarding issues concerning human coexistence with intelligent agents in hybrid environments
  • Demonstration of social, professional, and ethical responsibility and sensitivity to gender issues
  • Aesthetic cultivation and a positive attitude toward cultural innovation
(3) COURSE CONTENT
  • Introduction to the Philosophy of Information
  • The Mathematical Theory of Communication
  • The emergence of digital computers and the World Wide Web
  • Information flows and social networks
  • From Web 1.0 to Web 2.0
  • The culture of searching
  • Political economies of the internet
  • Digital labor and platform capitalism
  • The World of Data and Surveillance Capitalism
  • Virtual environments and new forms of subjectivity
  • The challenges of Artificial Intelligence and new forms of sociality
  • The language of New Media
  • Knowledge production in digital environments.
  • Creative Commons and peer-to-peer networks
  • From cyborg politics to cyberfeminism
(4) TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS – EVALUATION
DELIVERY METHODDevelopment of topics in class and discussion. Lectures by scientists, artists, and practitioners specializing in the specific topics of the course. Social research scenario simulation.
Information and Communication Technologies
  • Use of Audiovisual Media in Teaching
  • View related movies and streaming from online platforms
  • Use of students' mobile phones for on-site research and retrieval of specialized information from the World Wide Web.
  • Use of the e-class platform for communication with students.
Activity Semester Workload
Lectures 24
Social research simulations 15
Study of Required Reading 41
Study of supplementary material and preparation of assignments 40
Preparation for the evaluation 30
Course Summary 150
Student Evaluation
Process Description Evaluation

The evaluation process is conducted in the Greek language through a written examination covering the entire syllabus and takes the form of essay-type questions.
During the exam, the use of books and notes is permitted. Collaboration among students is also encouraged for the collective processing of the questions.
The answer to the questions is considered complete when it is factually accurate, satisfactorily justified, and clearly formulated.

(5) RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Suggested Bibliography

  • Patinotis, M. (ed.) (2020). Introduction to Digital Studies. Thessaloniki: Ropi.
  • Papailia, P., & Petridis, P. (2015). Digital Ethnography. Athens: Hellenic Academic Libraries Link
  • Fuchs, C. (2021). Social Media, Thessaloniki: Ropi.
  • Sismondo, S. (2016). An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies, translated by Varvara Spyropoulou, edited by Manolis Patiniotis. Athens: Liberal Books.
  • Manovich, L. (2016). The Language of New Media, translated by Th. Dritsas, K. Spatharakis, edited by M. Santorineos. Athens: Athens School of Fine Arts.
  • Lévy, P. (1999). Virtual Reality: The Philosophy of Culture and Cyberspace, translated by M. Karachalios. Athens: Kritiki.

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