Digital Technology in Governance and Politics

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 7
• Convenor and tutor: Laszlo Horvath
• Assessment: a 3500-word tool evaluation (90%) and presentation (10%)

This module will provide an overview of core areas of research into how digital technology impacts politics and policymaking. It will give you an opportunity to review a broad range of issues, including digital vulnerabilities of citizens, digital systems and institutions; risks and benefits associated with Internet of Things applications in public spaces; the usage of artificial intelligence in the provision of public services; and the promise and pitfalls of digital tools to inform and mobilise citizens. You will be able to critically evaluate digital tools reflecting on societal benefits, impacts on representative democracy, accountability, inequalities, harm (including privacy, harassment), and security risks stemming from interconnectedness.

Indicative module syllabus

• ‘To save everything, click here’: critical perspectives on digital technology and politics
• Evaluating Internet of Things applications in the public sphere
• ‘Algorithmic governance’: digital technology in public service
• Success and failure of citizen information tools: from voting advice to parliamentary monitoring tools
• Success and failure of participatory tools: consultation, resources, mobilisation
• Social media and political communication
• Digital economy, monopoly, democracy

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• recognise the benefits and risks associated with a range of digital technologies in governance and politics
• demonstrate a good understanding of issues relating to digital vulnerabilities and apply these concepts on new tech applications
• design simple tools that could, if applied, engage citizens in policymaking
• develop original arguments relying on a synthesis of core and further literature
• confidently read empirical papers, employing innovative research methods.