This course starts by introducing you to the history of printing in Europe and the important parties that were involved in the creation and distribution of books. You will also learn how print influenced the spread of ideas and affected the politics and economics of European societies. You will be taught the consequences of capitalism, the concept of a ‘civilizing mission’ and the resistance to colonial hegemony.

Furthermore, learners will gain an understanding of the concept of print in Bengal, the movement towards surveillance and censorship in colonial India and the rise of the Telugu novel. You will be shown how printing developed in northern India and its socio-political influence on the country. You will also consider the effect mechanical reproduction of art has on the value attributed to art and creativity. This course will then teach you about the effect the development of electronic media has had on human society.

In addition, this free online course introduces you to the arrival of digital media, the power of Google, social media and its politics. You will investigate government control over social media and the politics of identity on social media. Furthermore, you will be taught about the movement of mass media to social media and the role networks and the Internet play in communication. Digital media has become an integral part of contemporary life: the Internet and mobile technologies have become inseparable from everything we do. This course is important for learners who seek to develop specialist knowledge in areas such as social media, the history of print culture, electronic media, digital culture, and governance of the Internet and social media.