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Social Media, Data & Society - SOC00022M

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  • Department: Sociology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

How do data and algorithms shape our individual and social life? This module explores in detail the different ways in which data, algorithms and Artificial Intelligence are shaping the social world at all levels, from intimate lives and governance and surveillance.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

How do data and algorithms shape our individual and social life? This module explores in detail the different ways in which data, algorithms and Artificial Intelligence are shaping the social world at all levels, from intimate lives to governance and surveillance. We engage with relevant scholarship that provides critical and conceptual approaches to analysing how societies understand, manage and challenge these technologies and devices in different cultural contexts. You will develop a good understanding of different case studies and real-world examples.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the impacts of data and algorithms on social and individual life, the inequalities produced and their contextual nature.

Critically analyse relevant cases in different contexts using relevant conceptual tools from Social Sciences

Examine the role of political, economical and technological factors in social experiences of data and algorithmic technologies.

Assess and analyse individuals' everyday encounters and experiences with data and algorithmic technologies.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

For formative work - reflection - students will receive written or verbal feedback on how to improve their skills in areas that will contribute towards their summative assessment. The formative assessment provides practice for the summative task which is aligned with MLOs 3-4.

For summative work - essay - students will receive an overall mark and grading according to clearly defined criteria for assessing their knowledge, skills and abilities in line with MLOs 1-4. They will also receive written feedback showing areas in which they have done well and those areas in which they need to improve that will contribute to their progress.

Indicative reading

Kitchin, . (2014) The Data Revolution. London: Sage.

Beer, D. (2019) The Data Gaze. London: Sage.

Amoore, L. (2020) Cloud Ethics. Durham: Duke University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.