Module Code - Title:
SO4128
-
SOCIOLOGY OF THE INTERNET
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To develop students' appreciation of the value of a sociological perspective on the Internet.
To familiarise the student with macro and micro-sociological theories applied in and emerging from Internet research.
To introduce the student to contemporary debates regarding both the impact of the Internet on society and social influences on the Internet.
To familiarise the student with new methods emerging from Internet research.
Syllabus:
The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of the manner in which sociology can illuminate the social impact of and social influences on the Internet. Students will engage with different conceptualisations of the Internet, for example, as a techno-social system. In examining the relationship between the Internet and society, technological determinist perspectives will be contrasted with constructivist explanations. In addition to addressing macro-sociological perspectives on the Internet, this module will also acquaint students with micro-sociological research on such phenomena as identity and community online. Such discussions will incorporate familiarisation with new methods emerging from Internet research. Students will also be introduced to debates regarding e-participation and digital exclusion. This module aims to develop students' appreciation of and ability to employ sociological concepts, theories and methods as key tools for investigating the Internet.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon successfully completing the module, students will be able to
Argue the value of a sociological perspective on the Internet.
Evaluate macro-sociological perspectives on the Internet.
Elaborate micro-sociological perspectives on the Internet.
Apply some of the theories and concepts examined in their own writings.
Develop their own position in relation to key debates encountered during the module.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Develop critical thinking as well as analytical skills.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Cavanagh, A. (2007)
Sociology in the Age of the Internet,
, Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Fuchs, C. (2008)
Internet and Society: Social Theory in the Information Age
, New York: Routledge.
Webster, F. (2006)
Theories of the Information Society, 3rd ed.
, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Agger, B. (2003)
The Virtual Self: A Contemporary Sociology
, Malden, MA: Blackwell
Burgess, J. and G. Green (2009)
YouTube: Online Video and Participatory Culture
, Cambridge: Polity
Castells, M. (2000)
End of Millennium, 2nd ed
, Oxford and Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers
Castells, M (2000)
The Rise of the Network Society, 2nd Edition
, Oxford and Malden, MA: Blackwell
Castells, M. (2001)
The Internet Galaxy: Reflections on the Internet, Business, and Society
, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Castells, M. (2004)
The Power of Identity, 2nd ed
, Oxford and Malden, MA: Blackwell
Gere, C. (2009)
Digital Culture
, Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Heider, D (2009)
Living Virtually: Researching New Worlds
, New York: Peter Lang
Kerr, A (2006)
The Business and Culture of Digital Games
, London: Sage
Loader, B.D (2007)
Young Citizens in the Digital Age: Political Engagement
, Young People and New Media, Routledge
MacKenzie, D. (1999)
The Social Shaping of Technology
, Buckingham: Open University Press
Rutter, J. and J. Bryce (2006)
Understanding Digital Games
, London: Sage
Schuler, D. and P. Day eds, (2004)
Shaping the Network Society: The New Role of Civil Society in Cyberspace
, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press
Van Dijk, J (2005)
The Deepening Divide: Inequality in the Information Society
, London: Sage
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Generic PRS