Seminar of digital democracy

Teacher(s)

Baudewyns Pierre; Piron Jonathan (compensates Baudewyns Pierre);

Language

English

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1.	To identify the issues raised by digital technologies (and social networks) on democracy
2.	To develop a critical analysis on a case in relation with democracy at the digital era
3.	To communicate this analysis in both a written and an oral manner
4.	To translate this analysis into a podcast and to broadcast it through social media
5.	To review the podcast of another student

Content

This seminar tackles the issues raised by digital technologies for political institutions, politics and policies, and more broadly for the evolution of what we call “democracy“. It also addresses the interaction between all things political and the digitalization of society.
Themes of discussion include, but are not limited to: social media politics, algorithms and filter bubbles, digital divide, civic tech and online participation tools, blockchain and other governance technologies, Internet privacy and data collection, online tools for political education…

Teaching methods

This seminar is conceived to be interactive and participative, and relies on the idea of learning by doing. Students will then be encouraged to speak instead of only listen, to write instead of only read, to create instead of only attend. They will have to work on their own projects and share their findings and reflections during collective sessions—which will establish important concepts for studying and shaping democracy in the digital age.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation is continuous and ends before the exams’ session. The final grade (from 0 to 20 points) is composed of two parts: 

1. the contribution to the course dynamics (including active and regular participation in class and the preparation of the seminar’s sessions);
2. the production of a personal critical analysis on a case study related to a challenge for democracy at the digital age.

Practical information about the seminar and the evaluation will be explained in class and sent via email to all registered students after the first session.

Faculty or entity

PSAD