Course Outline

SCS102 Living in a Digital Society

Course Coordinator:Naomi Smith (nsmith7@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Living in a Digital Society explores the impact of digital technology on our lives and societies. This course will help students understand how digital technology is changing the way we communicate, socialise, work, learn, and participate in political and cultural life. Weekly topics may include: the history and sociology of technology, digital inequality and access, social media and self-presentation, online communities and social movements, virtual identities and avatars, digital labour and automation, privacy and surveillance, misinformation, and the future of digital societies. 

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning materials (e.g. videos, readings, activities, discussion board) 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly in-person tutorial/workshop 2hrs Week 2 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Online learning materials (e.g. videos, readings, activities, discussion board) 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly online tutorial/workshop 2hrs Week 2 10 times

Course Topics

  • Introduction to Digital Societies
  • Internet history
  • The Social Construction of Technology
  • Digital Communication and Social Interaction
  • Social Media and Self-Presentation
  • Digital Inequality and the Digital Divide
  • Bodies in digital worlds
  • Algorithms, data and privacy
  • Misinformation, disinformation and manipulation
  • Online Communities and Virtual Worlds
  • Digital Labour and Automation
  • Digital Activism and Social Movements
  • The Future of Digital Societies Speculating on the potential social changes brought about by the internet, social media and emerging technologies.

 

 

 

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Education for Sustainable Development Goals
1 Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts in digital sociology Knowledgeable
Communication
16.2.2, 16.2.3
2 Communicate sociological ideas and knowledge relevant to understanding digital societies Knowledgeable
Communication

                                    
3 Apply sociological theories, concepts, and evidence to examine digital societies Knowledgeable
Communication

                                    
4 Critically review, analyse and summarise sociological research and scholarship concerning digital societies. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Collaboration

                                    

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Education for Sustainable Development Goals
16.2.2 The learner is able to debate local and global issues of peace, justice, inclusion and strong institutions.
16.2.3 The learner is able to show empathy with and solidarity for those suffering from injustice in their own country as well as in other countries.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress


            

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 40%
20 multiple-choice questions across 4 quizzes.
Two-hour timed completion.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Written Piece Individual 20%
600 words
Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Written Piece Individual 40%
1500 words
Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Quizzes (Online Test)
Goal:
To test knowledge and comprehension of concepts and terms used throughout the course.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Online tests occur in Weeks 3, 6, 9 and 13.
Each quiz is worth 10% of the final grade for this assessment and assesses reading and learning materials from the preceding 3 weeks.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Correct identification of the definition and use of basic sociological terms.
1
Generic Skills:
Communication
All - Assessment Task 2:Research Essay Plan
Goal:
To create an essay plan for the final essay using peer-reviewed evidence.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Select an essay question and provide a plan to address it using peer-reviewed sources. Detailed task instructions will be available on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Sources: authoritativeness, relevance and quality
4
2
Content knowledge: Ability to summarise source content and demonstrate relevance to chosen essay question.
1
3
Referencing and written expression: accurate citations, clear and accurate written expression.
2
Generic Skills:
Communication, Organisation
All - Assessment Task 3:Essay
Goal:
The purpose of this essay is for you to demonstrate your understanding of one of the major substantive topics covered in this course.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
1500-word essay, plus references. Essay questions will be made available on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Structure and Essay Questions: Understanding of the essay question and subject matter. Organisation of ideas.
2 4
2
Argument: Coherent argument.
3 4
3
Conceptual Understanding: Application and understanding of theoretical and conceptual explanations relevant to essay question
1 2
4
Evidence and supporting literature: Identification and application of relevant scholarly literature.
4
5
Communication and referencing: Clear and accurate written expression. Accurate referencing.
2
Generic Skills:
Communication

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au