Selling the Self: Influencer Culture and Digital Capitalism
| Module title | Selling the Self: Influencer Culture and Digital Capitalism |
|---|---|
| Module code | CMMM012 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Module description
The term ‘influencer’ is both ubiquitous and controversial within media discussions of the internet, youth, work and fame. Influencer culture has dramatically changed how businesses market themselves and engage with consumers, as well as the ways that people portray themselves online. This module critically examines how influencers sell products, services and lifestyles through ‘personal branding,’ within the context of late-stage capitalism and ‘perma-crisis,’ such as climate change and an unaffordable cost-of-living. It will also draw upon feminist theories to interrogate the, often gendered, media narratives surrounding influencers, and will explore the role of some influencers in organizing social activism and resisting stereotypes. The module will map the history of influencer culture on the internet and will explore topics such as family vlogging and ‘mom-fluencers,’ health and wellness, fashion, digital sex work, fandoms and the far-right. Students will draw upon a range of critical approaches to think about consumption, digital spaces and capitalism.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|
