Course Purpose and Objectives:

The course aims to introduce students to theoretical and empirical foundations of current Internet research and support students in a) critically and comparatively examining the impact of the internet on identity, community and social participation, as well as in b) critically and comparatively examining the use of new and emerging technologies in specific areas (e.g. education, communication, employment, entertainment etc.) through case studies at a local, European and international level.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to 

1.     describe and analyze the impact of the internet on identity, community and social participation

2.     critically and comparatively examine the use of new and emerging technologies in specific areas (e.g. education, communication, employment, entertainment etc.) through case studies at a local, European and international level

3.     compare, interpret, synthesize and present data from topics relevant to the impact of the internet on society

4.     use different online tools for the presentation of data and for the effective communication of evidence-based arguments on topics relevant to the impact of the internet on society.

Course Content:

The course combines theoretical and empirical analysis of the internet in contemporary society, focusing on its distinctive nuances in comparison with more traditional communication technologies and traditional media. The course introduces students to several key areas of research drawing from the interdisciplinary nature of Internet Studies, including research on areas such as: internet and learning, internet and games, internet and identity, and topics focusing on the way the internet affected people’s social networks, digital literacy, and employment, among other topics. The course aims to encourage student’ critical reflection both theoretically and empirically. A lab component, which is integrated in the course, aims at developing students’ technical skills with respect to their familiarization with different online tools.