Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CMNS 453 OL02

Issues in the Information Society (4)

Blockchain & Digital Culture

Class Number: 2706

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Prerequisites:

    26 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C- or 60 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.

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:

For the past two decades, we have accepted that a significant part of culture is digital. We live much of our lives online and in public. Our digital technologies have developed into seemingly contradictory platforms that provide opportunities for contestation and distraction, or political mobilization and commercialization. There are a myriad of expanding opportunities and risks in blockchain that are learned from social media and big data and reacting to them. Newer waves of disruptive innovations like blockchain, Bitcoin, and Ethereum are rapidly impacting money, decentralized finance, gaming, governance, art, and music, among many other fields and industries. The next wave of the Internet, Web3, may be upon us whether we are ready for it or not.

We will explore how the Internet is shifting from Web 2.0 platform cultural economies to decentralized ones and read about the various stakeholders who are shaping blockchain sociotechnical spaces and imaginaries. We will learn how scholars are documenting and making sense of how blockchain technologies are impacting our digital culture. We will also explore how people, money, science, technologies, innovation culture, and power are creating social, political, and technological change. Throughout this course we will address the relationship between these concepts and others, including the changing nature of money and cultural anxieties and hopes about technology.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Achieve a command of current research and theory in Communication approaches to the information society and digital culture.
  • Achieve an understanding and command of blockchain concepts, technologies, and controversies.
  • Analyze how power, identity, and politics shape the development of the information society and the role of disruptive technologies and digital culture.
  • Constructively engage with innovators and critics of the development and adoption of blockchain technologies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other projects and platforms.

Grading

  • Writing Responses to Course Materials 90%
  • Final Assignment 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings and other course materials will be made available through Canvas.

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 term 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.