The Digital Transformation of the Democratic Discourse programme is an interdisciplinary, transnational learning experience that explores how digital technologies are reshaping public discourse, political communication, and civic engagement.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and increasing societal polarization, this course equips students with the critical tools to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of digital democracy.

Designed for master’s and PhD students from diverse academic backgrounds - ranging from social sciences and media studies to computer science and law - the programme offers a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. 

It combines virtual learning sessions led by top academics from across the CIVIS alliance with a week-long, immersive workshop hosted at the University of Lausanne. This onsite component allows students to collaborate in multicultural teams, engage with NGOs and public bodies, and co-create real-world solutions to challenges like disinformation, digital inequality, and civic disengagement.

The course’s main themes include political communication in the digital age, the rise of populism and online polarization, the ethical dimensions of AI and algorithmic influence, and participatory governance through civic technology. Students will examine case studies, develop research proposals, or design innovative civic tools using participatory design methodologies. 

By the end of the programme, participants will have gained advanced skills in critical analysis, collaborative problem-solving, and ethical digital innovation.

Whether you're passionate about strengthening democracy, combating misinformation, or designing inclusive digital platforms, this course offers a unique opportunity to learn, create, and lead change on a global scale. It is more than a course - it’s a collaborative journey into the future of civic life.

The physical component of the course is a one-week intensive, hands-on experience held at the University of Lausanne between 25-29 January 2027.

This segment allows students to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during the virtual sessions to real-world challenges. Emphasizing collaborative, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning, students engage in participatory design workshops, interact with external stakeholders such as NGOs and public bodies, and co-develop innovative solutions or research proposals related to democratic discourse in digital environments.

Throughout the week, students work in multicultural teams, guided by expert mentors, to address pressing issues such as disinformation, civic participation, and the digital divide. They choose between two pathways:

• Design Contribution – developing a conceptual civic technology or digital tool
• Research Contribution – creating a research proposal on an unexplored facet of digital democracy

The week culminates in a presentation session where teams pitch their solutions and receive feedback from academic staff and external stakeholders.

University of Lausanne's activities' schedule:

1. Monday – Foundations and Group Formation

Afternoon:

• Welcome and introduction to the week’s structure and goals
• Group formation: interdisciplinary and international teams
• Initial brainstorming and team discussion of project ideas
  
  

2. Tuesday – Methodologies and Inspiration

Morning:

• Intro to Civic Media Design Methods
• Presentation on literature review and research methodology

Afternoon:

• Guest speaker session (NGO representative)
• Group work: refining ideas with input from instructors
• Mentoring and coaching sessions
  
  

3. Wednesday – Field Engagement and Development

Morning:

• Second guest speaker session (NGO or civic tech expert)
• Group project development and feedback sessions

Afternoon:

• Field visit: Lausanne Participe (City Council participatory budgeting initiative)
• Reflection on real-world applications of participatory governance
  
  

4. Thursday – Finalization and Cultural Exchange

Morning & Afternoon:

• Final group work and preparation of presentations
• Peer feedback and coaching from instructors
• Evening: Group dinner in the city center – a cultural and social networking event
  
  

5. Friday – Presentations and Wrap-Up

Morning:

• Final project presentations by each group (15 minutes each)
• Feedback from faculty and external stakeholders
• Closing session and reflections on learning outcomes

This immersive week blends academic rigor with practical application and cultural exchange, preparing students to become informed, innovative contributors to digital democratic transformation.

The virtual component of the course, starting on the 2nd of October 2026, provides the theoretical foundation for understanding the complex relationship between digital technologies and democratic engagement.

Structured across seven interactive sessions, this phase combines lectures, case studies, and group discussions, offering students an interdisciplinary and critical overview of key themes. Each session lasts two hours and is led by a distinguished academic from the CIVIS network, ensuring exposure to diverse perspectives and regional insights. Students are expected to complete assigned readings and prepare for reflective discussions prior to each session.

Schedule of the Virtual Sessions:

• 2 Oct 2026: Political Communication and Participatory Democracy (Instructor: Michele Sorice) - overview of how communication practices shape democratic participation and the evolving landscape of political dialogue in digital contexts;
• 16 October 2026: Polarization, Populism, and Emotional Narratives in Politics (Instructor: Adriana Ștefănel) - focuses on how digital platforms amplify emotional and conspiratorial narratives, contributing to societal polarization and the rise of populist movements;
• 30 October 2026: Fake News, Hate Speech, and Online Disinformation (Instructors: Manuel Alcántara Pla & Adrian Stoicescu) - examines the spread of false information and emotional manipulation in digital media, with strategies for identification and mitigation;
• 13 November 2026: Digital Tools for Civic Engagement and Participatory Governance (Instructor: Mauro Cherubini) - analysis of digital platforms designed to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement in democratic processes;
• 27 November 2026: Digital Inclusion and Engagement (Instructor: José Luis Martí) - discusses the digital divide and strategies to foster more inclusive participation across different social and economic groups;
• 11 December 2026: Social Media’s Role in Politics and Participation (Instructor: Giovanni Boccia Artieri) - explores how social platforms influence public opinion, electoral behavior, and the structure of civic interaction;
• 9 Jan 2027: Censorship, Social Control, and Digital Media Regulation (Instructor: Luis Bouza Garcia) - a look at the balance between freedom of expression and regulation in the digital space, including legal and ethical challenges.

Jan 2027: This phase involves personalized guidance as students prepare for the written exam. It includes:

• regular coaching via videoconferencing;
• support in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world case studies or research proposals;
• feedback on ethical, methodological, and practical dimensions of their work;
• together, the virtual sessions ensure that students enter the onsite phase well-prepared, and exit the course; with deep, applicable insights into digital democratic discourse.