Course coordinator
Associate Professor Elizabeth Stephens
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course provides the foundation for the Digital Cultures major. It introduces students to the aesthetic, expressive and social cultures arising in contemporary society. Students will examine a range of visual and interactive digital media materials, and will be introduced to key concepts in the study of contemporary digital culture, including: technology and power, the mediation of the self, the manipulation of the visual, and the cultural dynamics of digital interaction. This course will critically interrogate the role of digital media in the conduct of our everyday lives, while allowing students to develop both analytical and digital media skills.
Digital media and technologies are transforming our experiences of everyday life and culture. This course will provide you with the tools to think and write critically about Digital Cultures from a range of perspectives. It will introduce you to a range of key concepts and debates in the study of this field. You will learn key terms and methods, investigate the relationship between technology and power, analyse how images and information are mediated online, and consider the wider cultural impact of digital automation. You will be encouraged to explore the sociological, aesthetic, historical, philosophical, and political aspects of Digital Cultures.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Elizabeth Stephens
Tutor
Ms Lisa Enright
Dr Samantha Lindop
Dr Abbie Trott
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide you with the critical tools to understand the cultural impact of the internet, online media and digital technologies. You will be introduced to key concepts and debates in the study of digital cultures, and learn to examine digital cultures from historical, philosophical, aesthetic, sociological and political perspectives. You will explore the relationship between technology and power, and critically examine emergent forms of knowledge, identity, community and culture. You will learn to apply these ideas and concepts in constructing critical arguments. The course will also introduce you to academic research and writing.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically investigate the internet, new media and digital technologies.
LO2.
Understand and use key concepts in the study of digital cultures.
LO3.
Analyse digital cultures from historical, philosophical, aesthetic, sociological and political perspectives.
LO4.
Think and write critically about the impact of digital media and technology on everyday life.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Weekly Tutorial Participation | 20% |
Week 2 - Week 13
In-class activity |
| Presentation, Poster, Reflection |
Digital Poster Presentation & Written Reflection
|
20% 5-minute presentation + 500 word reflection essay |
Week 2 - Week 13
Presentation: In class in your allocated tutorial week. Written reflection: Due within one week following your presentation, i.e. 4pm the day before your next tutorial. |
| Essay/ Critique | Keyword Case Study | 25% 1000 words |
17/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Research a Key Topic or Debate | 35% 1500 words |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Weekly Tutorial Participation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Week 2 - Week 13
In-class activity
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Each week you will complete a different in-class activity during your tutorial. You must attend your tutorial to complete that week’s activity. Please advise your tutor if you are unable to attend. You must complete at least 5 tutorials to pass this assignment.
AI/MT Policy:
For this assessment, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies may be used during workshops as a search tool. Some workshops will involve the critical use of AI technologies.
Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
You must attend your tutorial to complete that week’s activity. Please advise your tutor if you are unable to attend. You must complete at least 5 tutorials to pass this assignment.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this assessment.
Digital Poster Presentation & Written Reflection
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Poster, Reflection
- Weight
- 20% 5-minute presentation + 500 word reflection essay
- Due date
Week 2 - Week 13
Presentation: In class in your allocated tutorial week.
Written reflection: Due within one week following your presentation, i.e. 4pm the day before your next tutorial.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
You will give a digital poster presentation during one of your tutorials. The week in which you will present will be assigned in your first tutorial. Your presentation should be around 5 minutes long. Presentations run from Week 2 to Week 13. A written reflection about your presentation must be submitted via Turnitin on Blackboard within one week, before your next tutorial. You will find your submission link is in your Assessment 2 folder. Your reflection should provide a summary of your presentation, and a reflection on what you learned from making your poster and presenting it to the class.
You will be assessed on the quality and creativity of your digital poster and reflection.
Digital Poster Presentations:
Poster presentations are a common form of presentation in which a speaker refers to a poster of their own design to explain or summarise a topic or issue in front of a small live audience. For this assignment, you will create a poster—one slide only—that illustrates or summarises one of the week’s readings or topics. You will give a short oral presentation in class that discusses and explains your poster. Your poster can include examples not discussed in class so long as they are relevant to the topic. Your presentation should be lively and interactive. The class will be encouraged to ask interested questions and engage with your presentation. You can use notes, but reading a script is discouraged.
You must email your slide to your tutor the day before your tutorial, to prevent technical issues.
Written Reflections:
Your reflection should provide a summary of your presentation, and a reflection on what you learned from making your poster and presenting it to the class. Reflections should be ~500 words, and uploaded via Turnitin. Reflections are due within one week of your presentation, before the following tutorial. They should be well written and fully referenced.
AI/MT Policy:
For this assignment, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies may be used in the design of your digital poster, and the images used. AI may not be used in your written reflection. Your written reflection evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of AI. Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to write their reflections is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Recording of Oral and Practical Assessment:
- All presentations will be recorded for marking purposes via recording facilities available where the assessment takes place (eg. ECHO360, Zoom, camera device)
- Recordings will be retained by the School of Communication and Arts for at least 12 months from the release of the final grade for the course.
- Recordings will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed by authorised school staff for the purposes of:
- Moderation of marking;
- Provision of feedback to the student(s) recorded; and/or
- Re-marking following a successful re-mark application
Submission guidelines
Presentation: You must email your slide to your tutor the day before your tutorial, to prevent technical issues.
Written reflections: Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The presentation component of this assessment is to be completed in person. Students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal for the presentation. Please contact your tutor/course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available. Presentations can only be rescheduled in exceptional circumstances.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submission is not possible for the presentation component of this assessment.
Keyword Case Study
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25% 1000 words
- Due date
17/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
For this assignment, you will choose a case study in digital cultures from your own online or real-life experience over the course of the semester. Your case study can be a video, movie, a game, a tv show, an art exhibition, a book, a podcast, a meme, even a shopping mall or restaurant. Using at least one of the keywords from the first half of the course, provide an analysis of your example that explains its relevance to digital cultures. You must refer to at least two course readings, required or recommended.
Your assignment must include:
1. A title page listing your name, assignment title, course code, total word count, and a declaration of whether AI has been used to complete this assignment.
2. Your keyword case study
3. A bibliography, including a list of AI prompts, if necessary
AI/MT Policy:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used in this assessment task provided it is transparent and limited to editorial use. AI can be used to assist research, or to edit your writing. If you use AI for this assignment, you must include the prompts at the end of your assignment, under the bibliography. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Research a Key Topic or Debate
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35% 1500 words
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
For this assessment, you will research and write an essay on a current debate or contentious topic in digital cultures, from a list provided to you. You can also choose to research a topic of your own choice.
You will be assessed on the depth of your research and use of convincing evidence to make your case. You are encouraged to include examples or case studies from your own experience to demonstrate your argument.
Your essay should critically discuss and engage with the course readings listed for at least two of the weeks of this course. You are encouraged to refer to the list of recommended readings as well as required readings.
The text of your research essay should be fully and consistently referenced. The essay must have a bibliography of all sources you quote or consulted.
You are welcome to use whichever style guide you prefer, provided you are consistent. An MLA style guide is provided in your Assessment folder for your reference.
Research essays should be 1500 words.
Your submission should include a cover page with your name, the name of this course, the title of your assignment, the total word count, and declaration of whether AI has been used in this assignment.
AI/MT Policy:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used in this assessment task provided it is transparent and limited to editorial use. You cannot use AI to write your assignment or pick your assignment topic. AI can be used to assist research, or to edit your writing. If you use AI for this assignment, you must include the prompts at the end of your assignment, under the bibliography. Failure to use of AI technologies without acknowledgement is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: What are Digital Cultures? Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 1: No Tutorial Tutorials start in Week 2 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: Digital Life Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: Networks and Participatory Cultures Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture: Going Viral Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: Memes and Viral Content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Algorithmic Cultures Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial: Algorithms and Platforms Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 5: READING WEEK - NO LECTURE OR TUTORIAL |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Inside the Matrix Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: Deep Fakes and Fake News Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Feeling Things Online Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: Digital Emotions and Affective Publics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 8: EASTER - NO LECTURE OR TUTORIAL |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK: NO LECTURE OR TUTORIAL |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Health and Safety in the Digital Age Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: Digital Health Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture: Artificial Intelligence Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Tutorial: The Age of AI Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Slactivism and Radicalisation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: Online Activism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: Sensor Society Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: Surveillance Culture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13 Lecture: Digital Identities Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Tutorial: The Future of the Human Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.