Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CMNS 453 OL01

Issues in the Information Society (4)

Mobile Information Society

Class Number: 1443

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:

Topic for Summer 2025:  Mobile Information Society

This course 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%

NOTES:

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relationship to established university-wide practices. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 with regard to Student Discipline. For further information visit: www.sfu.ca/policies/Students/index.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be made available as PDFs or as 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.