STKD6050 Innovative e-governance in Local Democracy Course description

Electronic governance (e-governance), generally understood as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in various spheres of political life, plays a significant role in democratic societies. Researchers in computer and social sciences have examined e-governance as a tool for strengthening local democracy and realizing direct participation of citizens in political life.

The main topic of this course will focus on the role of ICT in enhancing the accessibility, transparency, and accountability of public services in contemporary democracies. Communication between citizens and government has historically been challenged by inefficiencies and limited opportunities for dialog.

The course will also provide a platform for further research, co-creation and co-production on the following topics:

• empirical analysis of ICT in political systes.
• comparative local e-governance in different types of democracies.
• local ICT policy reforms and their implementation.
• ethical reflections on security, privacy, and surveillance of e-governance solutions cooperation in intercultural and interdisciplinary communication and networkin.

In addition to the general requirements for the Summer School, students need to have completed a Bachelor's degree to be admitted to the course.

After completing this course the student should have the following learning outcome:

Knowledge

On successful completion of the course, the students will have advanced knowledge on:

• the fundamentals of e-governance and e-democracy.
• local government systems and participation processes in general.
• the use of ICT for local administration, service production, and democratic participation.
• the possibilities and constraints which ICT brings about to local governance, security and privacy issues as well as ethical dilemmas connected to using ICT for political participation.

Skills

On successful completion of this course the students will have the ability to:

• develop ICT-centric ideas and solutions for communities and local governments concerning citizens political participation and effective communication among State and non-State actors.
• use critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to examine e-governance approaches in a variety of democratic political systems.
• analyze quantitative and qualitative data on the role of ICT in political participation.
• effectively present complex information in a way that is understandable and accessible for the general public prototype new ICT tools for e-governance.

General competence

On successful completion of this course, the students understands:

• e-governance as a concept and its development through time.
• the role of cooperation of various actors in the political field including government agencies and the ICT industry.
• ethical reflections on the role of ICT in political participation.
• relevant interdisciplinary research collaboration and intercultural communication.

The course will take an interactive approach and combine diverse teaching methods as well as active and engaged problem based learning.

Course participants will be offered:

• lectures by course instructors.
• workshops.
• diverse discussion groups.
• analysis of case studies.
• simulations, guest lectures from some prominent representatives of industry, civil society, or government officials.

None.

This module addresses the practice of design as seen from cultural and social perspectives. The primary focus is on written analysis, discussion and argumentation.

All support materials are allowed for both assessments.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• is capable of analysing the relationships between culture and sustainability from theoretical and societal perspectives
• is capable of discussing and arguing in academic and other professional contexts
• has knowledge of and shows empathy in relation to different cultural paradigms
• has knowledge of aesthetics and these apply in different cultural contexts
• has knowledge of, and insight into the relationship between theoretical perspectives, practical design work and innovation

Skills

The student is capable of

• discussing and relating to theoretical problems
• using aesthetic elements in the development of products in different cultural contexts
• mastering written presentations and argumentation that adheres to professional and academic expectations.

Competence

The student is capable of

• exchanging opinions and experiences with other academics and professionals
• reflecting on and assessing his/her own professional and aesthetic points of view
• reflecting on his/her own development in the learning process and adjusting this under supervision

Lectures and workshops Literature study Individual- and group work Individual and group tutorials

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• A written assignment emphasising critical reflection and academic argumentation
• Reflective note