The Digitalization of Politics (DIG502)
The digitalization of politics represents a transformative shift in the way political systems operate. This phenomenon covers the use of digital technologies such as the internet, social media, and data analytics, in any type of political processes. For instance, digitalization has changed how political information is disseminated, how campaigns are run, and how public sector bureaucracies make decisions. These and other changes have profound implications for transparency, participation, and power structures.
In this course we will study the digitalization of politics, asking how the use of data and digital methods changes politics.
The course is open to all students on MA-programmes at UiS. There has to be a minimum of 20 students registered for the course by February 1st 2026.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
DIG502
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
How do digital technologies, such as social media platforms, algorithms, and data science tools, influence politics? How are they shaped by politics and public policy?
In this course we will study the relationship between digital technologies and politics with the goal of understanding how digitalization affects political power. Topics to be addressed include social media and politics, the application of big data and algorithms in public spheres, digitalization and the welfare state, disinformation and fake news.
A recurring task throughout the course will be to discuss how digital technologies and data science can shift distributions of power and influence in societies, and thus potentially enhance or moderate existing political inequalities, or create new ones.
Learning outcome
It is expected that the students after completing the course will have the following knowledge, skills, and general competencies:
Knowledge
After course completion, the student has:
- In-depth knowledge about how the use of data and digital technologies transform politics.
- Extensive knowledge on how policies and regulations can shape digitalisation processes and their political outcomes.
Skills
After course completion, the student can:
- Critically reflect on the promises and pitfalls that accompany digital technologies in politics.
- Identify how digitalisation processes shift political power between actors and institutions in society.
- Apply theoretical perspectives and relevant research in both general and concrete, case-based discussions of the digitalisation of politics.
General competencies
After course completion, the student can:
- Navigate relevant research literatures and critically reflect upon the quality of research.
- Participate actively and constructively in professional discussions, in both larger meetings and smaller groups.
- Make the necessary preparations in order for professional discussions to be informative and useful to inquiries and decision-making processes.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral exam | 1/1 | 1 Hours | Letter grades | All |
The exam requirements must be approved to qualify for the final exam in the course.
Coursework requirements
All students must give an oral presentation in one of the seminars. The presentation should summarise a self-selected piece of research and sketch topics for the discussion. All students must participate actively in the seminars.
Students must be present at a minimum of 2/3 of the seminars. Students who do not fulfil the presence requirement must pass an assignment given by the course coordinator in order to qualify for the final exam.