21810760 - DEMOCRACY AND DIGITALISATION

The course explores the transformations that digitalization brings about in democratic processes and in the evolving forms of political participation. It aims to equip students with advanced theoretical and methodological frameworks for analyzing the impact of digital technologies on democratic institutions, the changing role of the media, and emerging modes of citizen engagement. Particular emphasis is placed on developing critical analytical capacities and strengthening students’ communication competencies.

Curriculum

teacher profile | teaching materials

Programme

The course is divided into two parts. The first part analyzes democratic theories, elections, the referendum institution and the role of the mass media in the democratic process. The second part focuses on the dynamics of the models of “deliberative democracy” and “e-democracy”, and explains how new forms of political participation through the web are being reconfigured in the global world.

Core Documentation

P. Gerbaudo, The Digital Party: Political Organisation and Online Democracy, London, Pluto Press, 2019.

Reference Bibliography

For further details: J.S. Dryzek, Deliberative Democracy and Beyond: Liberals, Critics, Contestations, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2002. S. Coleman, Democracy online: What do we want from MPs' Web sites?, London, Hansard Society, 2001.

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory. Paper presentation is reserved for attending students.

Type of evaluation

Written and oral examination. The written examination consists of a paper on a specific topic agreed with the teacher, which will be discussed in the classroom and is reserved for attending students.

teacher profile | teaching materials

Programme

The course is divided into two parts. The first part analyzes democratic theories, elections, the referendum institution and the role of the mass media in the democratic process. The second part focuses on the dynamics of the models of “deliberative democracy” and “e-democracy”, and explains how new forms of political participation through the web are being reconfigured in the global world.

Core Documentation

P. Gerbaudo, The Digital Party: Political Organisation and Online Democracy, London, Pluto Press, 2019.

Reference Bibliography

For further details: J.S. Dryzek, Deliberative Democracy and Beyond: Liberals, Critics, Contestations, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2002. S. Coleman, Democracy online: What do we want from MPs' Web sites?, London, Hansard Society, 2001.

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory. Paper presentation is reserved for attending students.

Type of evaluation

Written and oral examination. The written examination consists of a paper on a specific topic agreed with the teacher, which will be discussed in the classroom and is reserved for attending students.