Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2119: Transformations of Social and Political Realities through Smartphones

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

Smartphones are a cross-cutting issue that requires knowledge and input from a variety of literatures. This module will equip you with the latest knowledge on how smartphones transform our social and political realities. You will learn about how smartphones transform the ways different political actors mobilise and relate to their constituencies; how they embolden populism and polarisation; to which degree they limit your privacy; how they change the way we interact with one another, both as friends and as sex or love partners; how they affect self-esteem, and how they create addictive behaviour. A good understanding of these issues is critical for a smart usage of smartphones. We will look at these issues first by looking at some key theoretical concepts before we will apply those concepts to a range of case studies which you will be able to choose. You will also acquire key transferable skills through working in a group to prepare and moderate part of a class. With its applied focus, the module will also provide you with an opportunity to get involved in debates surrounding smartphones by means of creating a podcast.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Show an understanding of how smartphones transform our lives and societies
2. Critically reflect on the usage of your smartphone
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Deploy theoretical arguments and apply them to empirical case studies
4. Construct rigorous arguments
Personal and Key Skills5. Critically evaluate ideas, debates and practices
6. Work independently and in collaboration with peers
7. Sharpen communication and presentation skills