Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102421

Coordinator Adam Daniel Opens in new window

Description Data, Communication and Power investigates the operation of power in contemporary digital media cultures and economy. The subject examines the primary role played by data in determining how we live in the world. This includes how we interact with the world, its people and digital artefacts, in terms of communication and meaning. The subject focuses on technologies of control and governance related to algorithmic architectures and data economies. Who benefits from data and mediation and what are the limits and possibilities of data? Ultimately, this kind of critical analysis invites us to think about what constitutes a just, democratic society and what constitutes an ethical media life.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Information Systems, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects COMM 1023 - Mediated Mobilities COMM 1006 - Communication Research COMM 1024 - Mediated Mobilities (WSTC) COMM 1011 - Data Mediation and Power (WSTC)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Identify how data both mediates and governs society and daily life in ways often connected to commercial interests.
2. Explain the ways in which data informs the production of meaning (e.g. assessment of performance, analysis of texts, policy making informed by demographic modelling).
3. Evaluate the limits and possibilities of data and its relation to the operation of power.

Subject Content

- identify and critique the role played by data in determining how we live in the world today.
- examine cultural contexts, people and digital artefacts in terms of communication and meaning and the role played by data in determining communication and meaning.
- critically investigate technologies of control and governance related to algorithmic architectures and data economies.
- investigate the operation of power in contemporary digital media cultures and economy.
- think about what constitutes a democratic society and ethical media life.