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Introduction to Digital Culture - TFT00038C

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module will explore the influence and pervasiveness of contemporary digital media and technologies. In this module, you will develop a critical understanding of digital culture and the ways in which digital technologies impact our social and cultural lives. You will explore various practices and aspects of digital life, and interrogate how digital technologies change the way we understand the world. You will also be introduced to the contexts of these cultures, and critically analyse the political, economic, social and technical implications of our digital world today. At the end of the module, you should be able to synthesise and critique the cultural impact of digital technologies, and understand their change, threats and potentials.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This modules aims:

  • To introduce the basic concepts, methods and terminology necessary for critical analysis of digital media.
  • To discuss and analyse the ways in which digital technologies have impacted on audiovisual media and their capabilities for interactivity.
  • To introduce students to the concept of the "digital" as a way of thinking about the world.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of contemporary digital cultures, forms and practices
  • Describe and critically assess the social and cultural dimensions of digital culture, including virtual environments, AI and interactive technologies
  • Carry out analysis of digital cultures from social, technological, cultural & political perspectives Know the key debates and writers in the field of digital cultures
  • Conduct critical thinking and analysis skills.
  • Conduct essay writing skills.
  • Conduct reasoning, argument and communication skills.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Bell, D. (2001). Introduction to Cyberculture. London: Routledge.

Chun, W. and Keenan, T. (2005). New Media, Old Media: A History and Theory Reader: Interrogating the Digital Revolution. London: Routledge.

Creeber, G. and Martin, R. (2008). Digital Culture: Understanding New Media. London: Open University Press.

Gane, N. and Beer, D. (2008). New Media: The Key Concepts. London: Berg.

Manovich, L. (2001). The Language of New Media. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Miller, V. (2011). Understanding Digital Culture. London: Sage.


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.