Introductory description

This module explores the online platform as a distinctive and evolving organisational form in contemporary society. Platforms are reshaping economies, cultures, and everyday interactions. As assemblages of people, devices, software, and algorithmic management, platforms are best studied through interdisciplinary methods. You will engage with key concepts and debates to understand how platforms function as infrastructures of value extraction and governance. Through case studies and readings, we examine how platforms structure labour, attention, and data, and whether it is possible to have alternative and more equitable practices.

A central focus of the module is the mechanics and consequences of data-driven systems, including ranking algorithms, user evaluations, and forms of digital surveillance. In addition to analysing dominant platform models, the module introduces alternative approaches such as decentralised infrastructures. The combination of lectures, seminars, and assignment-based work will equip you to critically assess the evolving role of platforms in reshaping society.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module explores the social, economic, and political dynamics of platform systems across key thematic areas: platform governance and regulation; datafication and algorithmic control; platform cultures and influencer economies; and emerging alternatives, including decentralised models. Students will engage with topics such as the politics of ranking systems, user interactions, digital inequality, and surveillance capitalism, alongside critical debates around labour and control. The module also considers the ethical and societal challenges posed by dominant platform infrastructures, while examining efforts to build more equitable forms and practices.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Critically analyse the platform model as a distinctive organisational form, evaluating its political, economic, and cultural implications in contemporary society.
• Apply interdisciplinary approaches to investigate complex real-world problems related to platform infrastructures, datafication, and algorithmic governance.
• Demonstrate the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries, drawing on skill sets to engage with case-based research and analysis.
• Evaluate and apply appropriate methods to examine the dynamics of platform governance, regulation, and social contestation.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Research element

• Conduct critical investigations into platform operations are structured through technical and regulatory mechanisms.
• Analyse the social, economic, and political implications of platform practices, using interdisciplinary methods and conceptual frameworks.
• Compare platform governance and regulation across different geopolitical and cultural contexts.
• Develop skills in inquiry design, analysis, and communication across disciplinary perspectives.

Interdisciplinary

Platforms involve economic, social, cultural and computational aspects. The course will draw from concepts, readings, and methods from these different fields.

International

Much of the work on platforms is US- centric -- problematic since for example, some of the largest and most powerful platforms are based in China. The module will take a comparative approach to the study of platforms, addressing the wide variation in regulatory and social environments.

Subject specific skills

• Knowledge of online Platforms as an important development that is having a large impact in many fields of study.
• Research skills to study a complex phenomenon that combines economic, social, organizational, cultural and computational components.

Transferable skills

• Methods of researching online phenomena
• Analysis of digital infrastructures
• Critical thinking and reflection
• Presentational skills