University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The use of digital information communications technology is now ubiquitous in work and in our everyday life, and the realities underlying such technology use has been a significant driving force in economic development and growth in numerous countries in the 21st century. Many elements associated with the traditional industrialised economies – such as industry and employment law and regulation, corporate social responsibility, and rules to curb anticompetitive practices – have largely failed to keep pace with rapid digital technology development and deployment resulting in a dearth of practical and effective oversight. Indeed, many from within the digital tech sector would strongly advocate for a self-regulatory approach and actively lobby politicians, governments and key regional decision-makers for a hands-off approach to their industry. But such laissez faire attitude that has previously been emblematic of the approach authorities have adopted to digital information communications technology corporations has now created significant concerns with regards to the conduct and behaviours of such digital behemoths and brought to the fore issues of power and responsibility in society. This course will begin by attempting to define what the digital age is and what restraints, if any, are placed on its development, growth and expansion. In understanding what the digital age entails, students will further explore and debate how just a handful of digital corporations have come to dominate the digital online experience and how, operating in a transnational environment, they have been allowed to grow more powerful that many nation states. In studying the extraordinary rise of these digital corporations, significant issues related to privacy and surveillance, freedom of speech and censorship remain at the core of the digital age but grappling with these issues in the prevailing ‘Wild West 2.0’ online environment remains fraught with problems and concerns in terms of policy and regulation. In addition to the asymmetry of power in the digital age, concerns over its ecological impacts, its effects on established pillars of democracy in many countries, as well as the organisation of work in the 21st century will form significant elements of the course. Students will be encouraged to think forward and imagine a different digital age, one that is more mindful of its social and environmental responsibilities and one that is more in tune with its initial goal of assisting human flourishing while being mindful of its ecological obligations.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Define and explain what the digital age is, and its role in contemporary society
  2. be confident in understanding who are the key corporate players operating in the digital age, how they emerged, evolved and developed, and their current international scope, influence and reach
  3. Understand the critical issues with regards to privacy and surveillance, freedom of speech and censorship, as these relate to policy and regulation in the online world
  4. Have a clear understanding of work in the digital age and the implications and consequences for individuals, communities and society of shifts towards employment precariousness made possible by digital work intermediary platforms
  5. Debate and discuss the effects of digital social media platforms impacts on the established pillars of liberal democracy and if and how such influence can be curtailed through internationally coordinated policy or regulation.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "The Social, Cultural and Environmental Costs of Hyper-Connectivity: Sleeping Through the Revolution" by Hynes, Mike
    ISBN: 9781839099793.
    Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
  2. "The Oxford Handbook of Information and Communication Technologies" by Robin Mansell
    ISBN: 9780199266234.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
  3. "Networks and States" by Milton Mueller
    ISBN: 9780262014595.
    Publisher: Mit Press
The above information outlines module SP6137: "Policy and Governance of the Digital Age" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.