Die Anmeldung beginnt erst am 02.10.2026 um 08:00 Uhr. Sie endet am 12.10.2026 um 23:59 Uhr

Building on Leuphana Semester’s foregoing general introduction into research methods, this course offers further insights into methods that are crucial for studying digital media. The course starts from the observation that students and researchers alike often find it challenging to develop methods that allow to capture practices, content and aesthetics of “the digital” in contemporary media. One issue in the study of digital media is that the production and circulation of digital data is often “black boxed” and that we find it difficult to investigate what is happening “behind the screen”. For example, users themselves often do not know what data and metadata are being collected and stored by platforms and telecom providers, and to what effect, and what proprietary algorithms are facilitating processes of data production and analysis. Other important research topics concern the question how the design of digital devices and interfaces facilitates certain actions while foreclosing others, thus shaping user behavior and information flows. Hence, students and researchers of digital media always need to reflect on the following questions: What kind of information do I need to answer my research question? Which method(s) will allow me to gather this information? How will I have to adapt my method to the context under study in order to make it work? In how far are classical methods of social scientific research still useful for studying digital media? What are their limitations and constraints? In which research contexts are digital methods useful, valid or limited?

In each session of the seminar, we focus on one method. These include inter alia: object analysis; the use of AI-tools for studies and research; qualitative interviews; participant observations, visual methods and digital ethnography. Each method will be introduced and discussed based on short presentations and shared readings. Based on these readings and discussions, there will be micro-exercises allowing students to gain an understanding of a method via the experience of performing it.

• Combine traditional and digital methods for the study of digital media;
• Understanding the development of adequate methods as a reflexive process;
• Consider the performative and inventive dimensions of methods;
• Address ethical considerations of different research methods;
• Develop critical feedback skills through class micro-exercises

Weitere Informationen zur Lehrevaluation: https://www.leuphana.de/lehre/qualitaetsmanagement/evaluation/lehrveranstaltungsevaluation.html