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MDS-30023 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 26 April 2024

MDS-30023 - Social Media Work
Coordinator: Rachel Wood
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25


Aims
To develop an understanding of the role that digital platform labour plays in contemporary social, political and economic structures.
To apply a critical understanding of labour and power in digital platform work to the analysis of specific examples and case studies.
To gain insight into the lived experiences of digital platform workers in a range of different sectors.
To develop creative and critical skills through working on an original analysis of digital platform work.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Recognise and explain various critical approaches to digital platform labour: 1,2
Analyse the role of digital platform labour within the contemporary political economy: 1,2
Apply critical concepts in digital platform labour studies to specific contexts and case studies: 1,2
Apply an understanding of labour and power within digital platform work to an analysis of the lived experiences of workers: 1
Use creative presentation to support a critical analysis of digital platform labour: 2

Study hours

22 hours lectures/seminars
4 hours Teams Q&A sessions
20 hours case study preparation
50 hours vlog preparation
54 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Case Study weighted 30%
Platform labour case study (1000 words)
Select either an individual social media worker OR a specific digital platform work role. Drawing on critical approaches from the module, examine the forms of labour involved in your chosen case study, and explore what this case study reveals about work in contemporary capitalism.

2: Portfolio weighted 70%
Video blog (vlog) with accompanying workbook
Undertake a critical examination of a selected issue related to platform work in a video blog. The vlog may take the form of either: ¿A 10-15 minute YouTube style vlog OR ¿A 15-20 minute Twitch style `livestream¿ OR ¿A series of 5-10 TikTok style 1-3 minute micro-vlogs OR ¿Other format agreed with the module leader. Students should develop their individual vlog topics and formats in conversation with the module leader. The accompanying workbook should reflect on the critical decisions made, and academic resources drawn upon, in the planning and making of your video blog.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 26 April 2024