Syllabus

Table of contents

• Course Description
• Learning Objectives
• Method of Learning
• Method of Evaluation
• Grading Scale
• Required Texts
• Policies
• Accommodation of disabilities

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Course Description

This course explores how information and communication technologies (ICTs) give shape to social networks. Clearly, the concept of network functions no longer as just a metaphor to describe a group, but as a model for organizing social relations. What kinds of relationships does the network prescribe? How is identity formed within the network? What does the network make possible or impossible for the individual to know or experience? What new models of contribution and participation does the network engender? What opportunities, if any, exist for resisting the model enforced by networks, and why would we want to do so? This course offers an opportunity to take a critical look at the phenomenon of online networks, including a review of social network theories, a look at the technologies and social norms that give shape to online networks, and an exploration of issues of control, participation, and production as they relate to networks.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Use a variety of Web 2.0 technologies to collaboratively and individually conduct research on the topic of online networks.
2. Demonstrate through discussion and writing an increased awareness of the historical, social, political and economic factors that have influenced the development of online networks.
3. Use concepts from network theory to describe emerging social constructs, and be able to provide a critical assessment of these constructs.
4. Describe how the affordances of online networks shape the role of the individual in society, and be able to provide a critical assessment of this process.
5. Discuss how globalization, regulation, corporate interests, and copyright issues impact the economics of online networks.

Method of Learning

Readings, online class discussions, written assignments, online projects, multimedia viewing, and participation in online environments. Students are expected to have access to the internet and to check their Oswego email accounts on a regular basis.

Method of Evaluation

Notes and Discussion	120 points (10 points each x 12 weeks)
Blogging	80 points (20 points each x 4 posts)
The Social Life of a Wikipedia Article	75 points
Osw3go Class Project	75 points
Guest Speaker (participation in discussion)	20 points
Web 2.0 Parody or projection	75 points
Comprehensive Exam OR Final Project	125 points
TOTAL	570 points
Extra Credit:
Top 5 Media Link users	15 points
Open Space ARG	15 points

Grading Scale

(used for individual assignments as well as final grade):

Letter Grade	Minimum Percentage
A+	98
A	94
A-	90
B+	88
B	84
B-	80
C+	78
C	74
C-	70
D+	68
D	64
E (F)	1

Required Texts

Linked: How Everything Is Connected to Everything Else and What It Means
by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi
Publisher: Plume, 2003

Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness after the Digital Explosion
by Hal Abelson, Harry Lewis, Ken Ledeen
Publisher: Pearson Education, 2008

Please contact the Bookstore if you have any questions about getting these books.

Additional readings will be distributed electronically.

Policies

Attendance, plagiarism, late work, etc.

Please familiarize yourself with the Student Conduct Code, which applies to all your classes and activities on campus. Academic policies regulating attendance, plagiarism, etc. can be found in the Student Handbook or at the following web page:

http://oswego.edu/administration/registrar/acad_policies.html

In summary:

• Since this is an online course, there is no attendance policy. However, you are responsible for completing the work assigned each week.
• Late work is not accepted unless it us due to a circumstance beyond your control and/or you receive prior authorization from the instructor.
• Your work should be your own. Plagiarism is a severe act of dishonesty, and carries serious consequences. Please read this and complete this tutorial.

Behavior during class and online

You are encouraged to express your opinions, but I expect everyone to be respectful.

Accommodation of disabilities

At Oswego, we know that providing accessibility to education is extremely important. The Office of Disability Services is dedicated to meeting the needs of students with special needs. Feel free to contact them at the following address:

Disability Services
Hewitt Union
Phone: (315) 312-3358; Fax: (315) 312-2943; Email:

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