Admission requirements
None.
Description
This course explores how digital technologies are reshaping political representation, participation, and governance across diverse political contexts—from democracies to authoritarian systems—while deliberately moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives. We examine both the democratic possibilities opened up by digital networks and the risks associated with surveillance, algorithmic decision-making, data-driven political communication, and platform power. Drawing on theory and case studies from around the globe, students will analyse how digital infrastructures structure political behaviour and challenge established models of participation, authority, and accountability.
Course Objectives
The course critically examines central issues at the intersection of digital technologies and politics using an interdisciplinary approach. We draw on analytical concepts, theories, and empirical cases from political science, communication studies, sociology, and critical technology studies, as well as insights from the humanities and visual art.
In successfully completing this course, you will:
Understand key theoretical debates on the relationship between digital technologies and politics.
Analyse how digital infrastructures shape political communication, representation, and participation.
Evaluate the role of algorithms, data practices, and platform governance in contemporary power structures.
Assess ethical and political implications of surveillance, data collection, and automated decision-making.
Apply conceptual and empirical frameworks to current cases of digital campaigning, online public, and state digitalization.
Evaluate competing theoretical perspectives on the democratic potentials and risks of ICTs.
Timetable
Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2025-2026 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
Consisting of two sessions per week, the course is designed to foster informed and critical debate on the politics of the digital age, grounded in the readings and materials listed below. In line with LUC’s pedagogical approach, the course expects students to take active responsibility for their learning. This requires two commitments. First, you are expected to engage deeply and critically with the assigned readings and multimedia materials before each class. The workload may feel demanding at times, but developing the capacity to navigate complex debates about technology and democracy is an essential part of the learning process. Second, you are expected to participate actively in seminar discussions by contributing questions, reflections, and well-reasoned arguments. Understanding the political implications of digital technologies is a collective intellectual endeavour, and student participation is central to the success of the course. The role of the instructor is not simply to deliver information, but to facilitate rigorous discussion, guide analytical thinking, and support your development as independent and critical scholars.
Assessment Method
In-class participation
- Interactive engagement with, and discussion of, course material self-assessment, 15%
Presentation & Discussion leadership
- Deep understanding of a key topic, 15%
- Presentation and communication skills, 15%
Case study / Short reflection note
- Ability to apply course content to digital media analysis, 15%
Exam
- Holistic understanding of the course content; ability to formulate persuasive arguments drawing on concepts, theories and evidence; succinct writing skills, 40%
Reading list
Anduiza, E. Jensen, M.J. and Jorba, L.(2012). Digital media and political engagement worldwide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Introduction
Donna Haraway, “A Cyborg Manifesto” (1985), p. 1-15
Gilles Deleuze, “Postscript on the Societies of Control”, October Vol. 59 (Winter, 1992), pp. 3-7 (5 pages)
Guy Debord, The Society of the Spectacle (1967), theses 1–34
Jean Baudrillard, Simulacra and Simulation (1981), Introduction: The Precession of Simulacra, p.1-43.
Jenny Goldstein (ed.), The Nature of Data (2022), Introduction
Jungherr, A., Rivero, G. and Gayo-Avello, D.(2020): Retooling Politics: How Digital Media Are Shaping Democracy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2019), Introduction
Hito Steyerl, “In Defense of the Poor Image” (2009), e-flux journal #10, 9 pages.
Registration
Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Katerina Sidorova, k.s.sidorova@luc.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
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