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Social and Communicative Aspects of Internet Communication Technologies (ICTs)

DESCRIPTION

Often, debates about technology use in schools, subject-matter areas and society in general center on aspects of social meaning or technology as relatively isolated "tools." Such views perpetuate an "autonomy myth" (Bruce, 1997) of the relations between technology, literacy practices and other social human behaviors. However, rather than looking at technology in an isolated fashion, this course will examine how social practices and, more specifically, communication as a social practice, is being redefined and is changing as communicative groups use technology in schools and in their lives more broadly. Through this course, technologies such as hypertext, Instant Messenger, online communities, and others will be referred to as embedded in social and communicative practices. We will leave the course with an understanding of how social-communicative practices and technology must be considered as synergistic, how space, time and social networks evolve, and what this implies for design and use of technology in society.

MATERIALS

Readings

• The Handbook of New Media, Updated Student Edition. (2006). L. Lievrouw & S. Livingstone (Eds.). London: Sage.

Can be purchased at the TC Bookstore, online at Amazon, Half.com, etc.

• Readings to be distributed electronically on ClassWeb

SCHEDULE

1. 9/6 Introduction
2. 9/13 Tech Determinism & SCOT
3. 9/20 The Information Society
4. 9/27 CMC in ICTs
5. 10/4 Identity
6. 10/11 Place and the Blurring of Boundaries
7. 10/18 Community
8. 10/25 Article Presentations
9. 11/1 Social Networks
10. 11/8 Interaction
11. 11/15 Mobile Communication
12. 11/22 No Class -- Thanksgiving
13. 11/29 Online Session
14. 12/6 The Network Society
15. 12/13 Final Presentations
16. 12/20 Final Presentations

• Note: updated 10/5/2007

GENERAL COMMENTS

I encourage and look forward to your participation and successful completion of this course. Please feel free to meet with me at any time during office hours or by appointment.

I expect that you will complete readings and assignments by the stated date, and it is difficult to catch up once you fall behind. Please come to see me immediately if you experience any problems. Your work is expected to reflect attention to both content and presentation.

This course will include a variety of types of discussions and activities that require your presence and active participation. Attendance and preparation for all class sessions is crucial. Most class sessions will be related to readings and other assignments that must be completed prior to the class session. If you must miss a class because of illness or other serious circumstance, please call me prior to the class, or as soon as possible afterwards, explaining your situation. In addition, please send me an e-mail reminder or provide a written note explaining the circumstances of your absence.

The Honor Code governs all work in this course. If you do not understand how the honor code applies to a given assignment or situation, it is up to you to ask me (not another student, a former student, or another professor) for clarification. Please feel free to do so! Uncertainty about the application of the Honor Code does not excuse a violation.