Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - CMNS 353 D100

Topics in Technology and Society (4)

Big Data

Class Number: 2759

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 253W and one of CMNS 260 or 262. Recommended: CMNS 362.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examination of the emergence and shaping of information and communication technologies in the digital age. Explores new media and social change between everyday life, social institutions, and various enterprises. Emphasis is placed on social context and relations of power. May repeat for credit if topic studied is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:

This course focuses on social media and big data, to understand social and organizational change in work, leisure, and everyday life. These new information technologies can develop into seemingly contradictory platforms that provide opportunities for contestation and distraction, political mobilization and commercialization. While we chat with one another online and create our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, companies are also ‘watching’ what we post, where we surf, and who we buy from, to understand who we are as consumers and how to locate us as an audience. At times, we go willingly into a surveillance society as we provide our personal information in exchange for ‘free’ services. More often, however, we remain unaware of the (global) networks and databases through which our personal information flows. There are a myriad of expanding opportunities and risks in social media and big data. In this course, we will investigate/explore how stakeholders shape social media and big data in a number of industries such as: entertainment, marketing, and biotechnology.

Grading

  • Two Exams 40%
  • Abstract 5%
  • Social Media Asssignment 15%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Tutorial Participation 10%

NOTES:

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03, and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline. [Note: as of May 1, 2009, the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02), and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies.]

A minimum CGPA of 2.25, and approval as a communication student is required for entry into most communication upper division courses.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A set of readings will be made available in class.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS