Module manager: Todd Graham
Email: T.Graham@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores the changing nature of citizenship and its relationship to digital media. It begins by discussing competing understandings and theoretical approaches to citizenship and civic participation in public life. Students examine a range of expressions and practices of citizenship—from political elections and digital activism to online deliberation—and the various forms of digital media that support them. The module content is divided into two distinct parts: theoretical foundations and research trends. Lectures first introduce key conceptual frameworks before examining contemporary debates and case studies. This progression is reflected in the seminar series. The first half of the module utilises traditional seminars to discuss core concepts and readings. The second half shifts to hands-on workshops, where students receive practical training to design and execute an independent empirical research project. 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.
This module aims to:
Introduce students to the key theoretical debates surrounding citizenship in the digital age.
Examine diverse forms of digital civic participation such as online deliberation, digital activism, and citizen journalism.
Critically analyse the impact of contemporary phenomena such as disinformation, ‘fake news’, and polarisation on democratic processes.
Provide practical training in research design, specifically sampling strategies and data collection for citizen media.
Train students in the systematic coding and analysis of citizen media using established social science methods (e.g., content analysis, discourse analysis).
Delivery of Objectives: These objectives are achieved through a combination of weekly lectures, seminars, and individual tutorials. In addition to weekly lectures that explore key themes and theoretical debates—ranging from the public sphere to digital activism—the seminars in the second half of the module are dedicated to practical research training. Here, students learn to design a methodological framework, collecting and coding data. This practical training is further supported by individual tutorials, which guide students through the specific challenges of their independent empirical research project.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Compare and evaluate competing theories of citizenship and their application to contemporary digital society.
Critically analyse the relationship between digital media and citizenship, constructing coherent arguments regarding democratic potential and pitfalls.
Design and execute a methodological framework (e.g., content analysis, discourse analysis, grounded theory) to collect and systematically code original empirical data.
Interpret research findings to produce an evidence-based assessment of a specific case of citizen media.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Communicate complex theoretical concepts and empirical research findings clearly, synthesising theoretical literature with original evidence to support critical arguments.
Manage an independent research project with rigour and ethical awareness, adhering to data documentation standards, technical specifications, and deadlines.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 177.4 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.6 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Preparation for weekly lectures and seminars, for tutorials, and for module assessments.
Student progress is monitored through weekly seminars, individual supervision and ad-hoc supervision.
Seminars (Theoretical Component): During the initial seminars, formative feedback is provided during class discussions to check critical understanding of theoretical concepts as they are introduced. This ensures students grasp the foundational debates assessed in the written exam before the seminar focus shifts to independent research.
Seminars (Research Component): These sessions function as practical workshops where students receive ongoing verbal feedback on their research design, data collection, and coding procedures.
Individual Supervision: Students attend one-to-one supervision sessions to receive specific feedback on their project’s methodological framework and guidance on their progress.
Sampling Check: Students are required to have their sampling criteria reviewed and approved by the module leader (via email or supervision) before commencing data collection. This is a mandatory checkpoint to ensure the project is feasible and appropriately scoped for the assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Project | Research Project | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen exam | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 30 | |
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