Module manager: e.woods@leeds.ac.uk
Email: Eric Woods
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
It was once widely believed that digital communication technologies would contribute to the demise of nationalism and the emergence of a new global consciousness. Instead, the opposite has occurred. Exclusionary forms of nationalism and right-wing populism are flourishing in the digital age. This module examines why this has happened by examining leading theories and real-world cases of digital nationalism and right-wing populism from around the world. Upon completing this module, students will have gained a better understanding of nationalism and right-wing populism, and the role that digital media has played in its global resurgence. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The module aims to provide students with an informed understanding of the role played by digital media in the resurgence of nationalism and right-wing populism around the globe. Through an examination of leading theories and real-world cases, the module interrogates why digital media seems so well-suited for producing, spreading, and amplifying nationalist and right-wing populist narratives. Ultimately, the aim of this module is to provide students with a deeper of understanding of why nationalism and right-wing populism has become such a powerful force in the digital age.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Critically assess leading theories of digital nationalism and right‑wing populism, and situate them within broader debates in media and communication through their application to real‑world cases
Identify and evaluate key characteristics of digital media that facilitate the production, dissemination, and amplification of nationalist and right-wing populism.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Use written communication to present evidence-based arguments with clarity, accuracy, and coherence. (Work ready skills, Sustainability skills, Academic skills).
Evaluate the ways in which digital media affordances and internet technologies shape communication (work ready skills, sustainability skills, digital skills).
Independently locate, summarise and appraise scholarly literature and sources, using leading digital platforms as appropriate
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will receive ongoing formative feedback in seminars via responses by staff to discussions of readings and of issues and debates that have arisen in the lectures. They will also have opportunity to discuss their work in progress with the module leader during office hours.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 35 |
| Case Study | Case Study | 65 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team