The course's methodology combines participatory theoretical sessions with spaces for reflective dialogue and guided independent work. Face-to-face classes are structured around the presentation of key concepts, authors, and analytical frameworks related to the network society and digital culture, complemented by guided discussions on essential texts or contemporary cases. These sessions foster active reading, connection with students’ everyday digital environments, and collective reflection on the social, political, and cultural implications of technology.

In addition, interspersed seminars will be scheduled to monitor and support the assessed activities, especially the case study through digital ethnography. These spaces enable students to share their progress, compare approaches, receive constructive feedback, and strengthen the connection between theory and practice. The course also relies on students’ independent work, including participation in discussion forums and the progressive development of their analytical projects. This methodological combination seeks to enhance both critical thinking and research competencies in the study of contemporary digital culture.

A detailed calendar with the content of each session will be presented on the first day of class. It will be available on the course’s Virtual Campus, where students will find all teaching materials and essential information for proper course tracking. In the event of a change in teaching modality due to force majeure, as determined by competent authorities, the teaching staff will inform students of any changes in the course schedule and methodology.

Fifteen minutes of one class will be reserved, within the schedule established by the faculty or degree program, for students to complete the surveys evaluating the teaching performance and the course/module.

Case Study of Online Activism or Cultural Phenomenon – Digital Ethnography (in pairs)

This activity involves the individual analysis of a relevant case of activism or cultural phenomenon taking place in a digital environment (social media, online communities, digital platforms, etc.). Students will carry out a non-participant digital ethnographic observation, collecting qualitative data and interpreting it through the theoretical frameworks studied in the course. A detailed guide for the activity will be provided on the Virtual Campus.

Debates: Challenges of the Network Society (group)

Throughout the course, students will participate in group debates on current challenges related to the network society, such as algorithmic surveillance, disinformation, digital identity or technological inequality. Groups will prepare content based on assigned readings and audiovisual materials, and will be expected to defend reasoned positions, contrast viewpoints, and create spaces for collective reflection. A specific guide for the activity will be provided on the Virtual Campus.

Exam (individual)

The final exam aims to assess students' understanding of fundamental concepts, theoretical frameworks, and their ability to critically analyse the content covered throughout the course.

Additionally, participation activities (in the course forum) may contribute up to 0.5 extra points to the final overall grade.

Students will have the right to retake the course if they have been assessed in activities that account for at least two-thirds of the total course grade.

Single Assessment

Students who wish to opt for the single assessment system must submit their request in accordance with the instructions provided by the Faculty. The assessment will consist of the following components:

• Written exam (40%)
• Written assignment: analysis of a case study related to the network society and digital culture (30%)
• Oral presentation of the previously completed case study analysis (30%)

The submission date will be 7 June 2027.

Plagiarism

If a student commits any irregularity that may lead to a significant variation in the grade of an assessment, that assessment will be graded with a 0, regardless of any disciplinary proceedings that may follow. In the event of multiple irregularities in different assessments of the same course, the final grade will be 0.

Not assessable

According to point 9 of article 266 of the UAB Academic Regulations, if the student has not provided sufficient evidence of assessment, the course will be graded as not assessable.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in this course is permitted exclusively for support tasks, such as bibliographic or information searches, text correction, translations, or improving the design and formatting of a product. Students must clearly identify which parts were generated using AI, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these tools influenced the process and the final outcome. Lack of transparency in the use of AI in any assessable activity will be considered a breach of academic honesty and may result in partial or total grade penalties, or more serious sanctions in severe cases.