Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - CMNS 453 OL01

Issues in the Information Society (4)

Mobile Information Society

Class Number: 1706

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 13, 2023
    Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    75 units, including CMNS 253W, 353 or 354, with a minimum grade of C-. CMNS 362 is recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced seminar to discuss issues in the interplay between contemporary society and new computer/communication technologies, at the level of comprehensive theories of society, on one hand, and major public policy, on the other. This course can be repeated once for credit if second topic is different (up to a maximum of two times).

COURSE DETAILS:

CMNS 453 (Issues in the Information Society) is designed to help you understand the technical and social implications of the mobile information society. The course is an introduction to ideas, concepts, and developments associated with the significant, rapidly occurring changes experienced in mobile societies around the world. It highlights important historical events and the stakeholders who seek to exercise their influence over the development of new technologies and services.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon the completion of this course, the student will have demonstrated the ability to: 

  • Understand technological infrastructures of the mobile revolution, including radio spectrum, and its governance
  • Analyze the technical and economic implications of spectrum auctions
  • Apply a critical framework to the social and cultural elements of the mobile society and its impact on the mobile revolution
  • Evaluate the implications of mobile issues (ubiquitous computing, mobile panics, mobile cultures, applications, etc.)
Understand mobile issues around networking, surveillance, and mobile activism.

Grading

  • Proposal 10%
  • Video Presentation 10%
  • Research and Reflection Paper 30%
  • Five reading responses 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings are available as PDFs or links in the Files section and/or in the syllabus.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.