Course Description
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Course Name
Digital Media and Society
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Host University
The American University of Rome
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Location
Rome, Italy
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Area of Study
Communication Studies, Media Studies, Sociology
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Prerequisites
200-level English course.
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Course Level Recommendations
Upper
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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Credits
3 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits3
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units4
Hours & Credits
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Overview
The course provides an overview of the impact of the advent of digital media on society and its cultural, social, economic and political implications. The increased power and speed of the Internet, in terms of its capacity to deliverand manipulate content, has enabled a new culture to emerge, the culture of convergence whereby individuals can deliver content and news with potentially the same capacity as traditional centralized information producers. Furthermore, the decentralized production leads to processes with rapid interactive feedbacks resulting in changes in the social behaviour when the information is consumed, repackaged and recombined with other sources. According to Manuel Castells and other scholars, digital communication networks are transforming society as a whole. The ‘network’ is becoming the predominant form of organization in advanced societies. This is evident in business, in patterns of work, in identity and community, in politics and social movements. But what exactly is a ‘Network Society’? And do we live in one? The course will critically engage with these developments and introduce some of the key debates and theoretical approaches concerning interactive digital applications and tools. We will investigate the implications of social technologies and new models of content production, discussing issues of identity, community, production and consumption, as well as campaigning and activism.
Course Disclaimer
Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.
Some courses may require additional fees.
Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations