Subcultures & Communities in the Digital World

Module description

This module will explore the phenomenon of subcultures and communities in the digital world. It will examine how different forms of social groupings develop online, and try to identify aspects of the cultures that are specific to them, both online and offline. Encompassing topics from the spheres of digital popular culture, social and political activism, the creative industries, user-generated content and entertainment, it will investigate the nature of new forms of identity, belonging, and community, that are

being constructed through a variety of general and specialised social media and content-streaming platforms. By drawing on literature across the fields of subcultural studies and of internet and new media studies, the module will explore the languages,

imageries, and styles through which digital communities and subcultures express themselves and interrelate with varied online and offline social, cultural and political contexts.

Assessment details

• One x 15 minute group presentation (30%)
• One x 2000 word individual essay (70%)

Educational aims & objectives

Over the course of the semester, students will have:

• Acquisition of a body of knowledge relating to communities and subcultures in the digital world.
• Acquisition of a set of theoretical perspectives which assist in the identification and critical analysis of a range of digitally-enabled practices and their wider social and ideological ramifications.
• Acquisition of advanced skills in discussing and writing, thoughtfully and creatively, about relevant topics.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be expected to:

• A capacity to identify digitally-enabled subcultures and communities and to analyse, in conceptually and theoretically complex ways, their social and ideological dynamics.
• An understanding of, and capacity to engage productively with, core and current theories of subcultures and online communities.
• The ability to analyse how values are constructed and negotiated within digital subcultures and communities, and their relationships with agency and values in broader social formations.
• A developed capacity to debate and to present complex arguments in person and in writing.
• The ability to identify and pursue independent lines of research in relevant areas.

Teaching pattern

Ten one-hour lectures and ten one-hour seminars

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.