Convenor name: Dr Dounia Mahlouly
Convenor email: dm56@soas.ac.uk
Office room: MB438
Office hours: Mondays 13:00-14:00
Appointment booking link: dm56@soas.ac.uk
Module dates: Semester 1
Intended learning outcomes:
- Critically engage with a critique of the debates on digital transformations and cultures. - address the utopian and dystoping debates on digital transformations with a focus on Asia, Africa and the Middle East
- Analyse the social, economic, political and cultural impacts of new communication technologies and digital cultures.
- Contribute to critical debates on data colonialism, platform politics and cultures.
Assessment 1: Name: Assignment 1 (AS1)
Assessment 1: Weighting: 50%
Assessment 1: Due date: 5 January 2026
Assessment 1: Permitted AI usage: Exploration;Editing
Assessment 1: Format: Essay. 1500 words
Assessment 2: Name: Assignment 2 (AS2)
Assessment 2: Weighting: 25%
Assessment 2: Due date: 12 January 2026
Assessment 2: Permitted AI usage: Exploration
Assessment 2: Format: Weekly reaction papers. 250–300 words weekly assignments - • Critically engage with a critique of the debates on digital transformations and cultures. - address the utopian and dystoping debates on digital transformations with a focus on Asia, Africa and the Middle East • Analyse the social, economic, political and cultural impacts of new communication technologies and digital cultures. • Contribute to critical debates on data colonialism, platform politics and cultures.
Assessment 3: Name: Assignment 3 (AS3)
Assessment 3: Weighting: 25%
Assessment 3: Due date: 14 November 2025
Assessment 3: Permitted AI usage: Editing
Assessment 3: Format: Digital 'diary'/Digital project. This project invites you to critically engage with your digital experience through a creative or experimental format, accompanied by a 1-page reflection explaining your design choices and the technical or ethical challenges encountered. Option 1 – Digital Rights Advocacy Campaign: Design a prototype campaign addressing a digital rights issue (e.g. surveillance, data extractivism, digital literacy, infrastructure access, or IP in the Global South). Reflect on your chosen format, target audience, and the ethical and design decisions you made. Option 2 – Digital Diary: Conduct a short ethnography (1–3 days) documenting your digital use. You might track screen time, analyse app permissions, test alternative tools (e.g. avoiding Google), or reflect on your use of AI platforms. Your reflection should highlight patterns and critical concerns related to digital culture. Note: You are assessed on critical reflection, not technical skills. Creativity and critical thinking are key.
Page type: Module
Study year: 2025/26
Librarian name: Naomi Hart
Librarian email: nh64@soas.ac.uk
Page template: 2025/26 On campus
