Department of Communication
Florida State University, Fall 1998
(updated September 17, 1998)
Papers for Discussion
Paper One/ Book Review Assignment
Papers for Discussion
Paper Two
Draft Research Papers, November 12, 1998
Classes: Tuesday, 12:30 - 1:45 pm; Thursday, 12:30 - 1:45 pm
Location: 70 Bellamy Building
Instructor: Stephen D. McDowell
Office: 356D Diffenbaugh Building
Office Hours: Tuesday 2:30-4:30 pm; Wednesday, 2:00-4:00 pm
Telephone: 850-644-2276 Facs: 850-644-8642
E-mail: smcdowel@mailer.fsu.edu
WWW: http://mailer.fsu.edu/~smcdowel/
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This seminar will consider a number of theoretic perspectives and research questions on new communications and information technologies. This first part of the course looks at a number of approaches to understanding technology. The second part of the course considers literature on various contexts in which information and communication technology is used, with a special focus on computer-communications. These include organizations, groups, and broader social practices in communication. In the third part we discuss economic and international issues related to the uses of new information and communication technologies. The final part of the course will allow time for special topics and presentations based on students' research projects.
The purposes and methods of the course are to: provide an introduction to literature on new technologies through readings and class presentations and discussion; to encourage the development of critical analysis of specific aspects of this literature through the preparation of discussion papers; and to allow for the development of a research skills and interests through the preparation of a research proposal and a research paper.
REQUIREMENTS:
Course requirements are participation in class discussions, presentations on readings, two discussion papers, a research proposal, and a research paper.
Seminar Participation: The class is organized as a seminar. Hence, you are expected to attend classes and to participate in discussions in an active and informed fashion. Readings should be completed before each class session for which they are assigned.
Participants will be assigned readings as the basis for presentations through-out the term. These should be 10-12 minutes in length, and should provide your own assessment of the reading and raise questions for discussion, rather than a descriptive summary. To allow other class members to consider your questions for discussion, questions should be circulated in the session prior to your presentation, or posted e-mail distribution one day before class.
Discussion Papers: The "issues and concepts" or discussion papers should deal with a question or issue arising in the literature from one week of the schedule of topics. As well as defining clearly the question that you will discuss, the papers should compare and contrast perspectives from that week's assigned readings, and provide your own argument and analysis. Papers should use a consistent citation format, and should not exceed 7-8 pages double-spaced (2,000 words). They will be marked based on writing style and clarity, organization, command and application of course material, and analysis and insight of the discussion and argument. The discussion papers can be completed at any time after the readings you have chosen have been covered, but is due by September 17 (Paper One) and October 20 (Paper Two).
Book Review: An alternative to the first discussion paper is to complete a book review of 7-8 pages (2,000 words) on a book dealing with research or theory on new communication technology. A bibliography is attached listing some material, but you may review any book that presents the results of a substantial research or theory endeavor. Feel free to review a book that covers a subject you are considering for a research project. Please discuss proposed books with me if you have any question about whether they are appropriate. The book review is also due on September 17.
Research Proposal: An important part of the research project is the construction of a research proposal. The proposal should briefly cover the scope and nature of the research question and topic with which you plan to deal, the issues at stake, the theoretical framework to be used, the resources that you will draw upon, the research methods which you will use, and a preliminary statement of the paper's argument, proposition or claims. It should also indicate where you intent to submit the paper for possible publication. The proposal should not exceed 4-5 pages in length, and must include a preliminary bibliography of sources. Please discuss your ideas with me in September, and the proposal is due on October 1. You are encouraged and expected to make use of online electronic research resources in designing and undertaking your research project.
If any of the research you plan to undertake includes contacting "human subjects," your proposed plan of research and questions must be approved by the FSU Human Subjects Committee. Since it will take several weeks at a minimum, the process of seeking approval should be initiated immediately.
Research Paper: The research paper should undertake descriptive, historical, theoretical, or empirical research in the analysis of a particular question dealing with new communication technologies. In combining your own research with the use of course materials, the research paper should address both theoretical issues and provide original information. The research paper should draw on your thinking and writing from your discussion paper and review essay. The research paper will also be evaluated based on research and creativity (in addition to the criteria of evaluation outlined above for the discussion paper). This paper should not exceed 15 pages in length. The draft research paper is due on November 12, and the final paper is due on December 4, 1998.
ELECTRONIC MAIL ACCOUNTS:
Some of the communication for the course will be done outside the class through electronic mail. When you have obtained an electronic mail account and address, please pass it onto me for use in creating a class distribution list.
COPIES OF WORK:
Please keep your own paper copies or electronic copies of any work submitted. Along with submitting paper copies, please submit written work to me electronically. Some work will also be posted for other students to read.
DISABILITIES:
It is our desire that all our students fully participate in the curriculum of our department but we need your assistance. If you have a disability or condition that compromises your ability to complete the requirements of this course, you must notify the instructor immediately. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your needs. Further, if you do not understand or accept the contents or the terms of this syllabus, you must notify the instructor in writing within one week of receiving this syllabus.
ACADEMIC PRACTICES: Be careful to cite fully any ideas or direct quotations drawn from others' work in your assignments. Plagiarism is an academic offence which may result in a failing grade being assigned for the course.
EVALUATION:
Requirement Weighting
Class participation/presentations
10%
Discussion Paper One or Book Review (due September 17)
20
Research Proposal (due October 1)
10
Discussion Paper Two (due October 20)
20
Research Paper (draft due November 12, final due December 4)
40
TEXTS AND READINGS:
We will use portions from a number of texts. Several books have been ordered and are available at the FSU Bookstore or Bill's Bookstore:
Kling, Rob (ed.), Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and Social Choices (Second Edition) (San Diego: Academic Press, 1996) ISBN 0-12-415040-3 (paperback).
Shields, Rob (editor), Cultures of Internet: Virtual Spaces, Real Histories, Living Bodies (London: Sage Publications, 1996). ISBN 0-8039-7519-8 (paperback).
Castells, Manuel, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture
(Volume One) The Rise of the Network Society (Malden MA: Blackwell Publishers,
1996). ISBN 1-55786-617-1 (paperback).
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS:
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
August 25: Introduction and Overview
August 27, September 1: New Communication Technologies: Issues and Perspectives
Kling, Rob (ed.), Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts
and Social Choices (Second Edition) (San Diego: Academic Press, 1996)
Part I: read over
Part II:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
September 3: Class cancelled, FSU closed due to storm.
September 8: Organizational Uses and Dimensions
Kling, Rob (ed.), Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and
Social Choices (Second Edition) (San Diego: Academic Press, 1996) pp. 108-276,
Part III,
A
C, D, E: Organizations and New Technology: Sean C. (C), Shawn C. (D)
F, G, IV-F: Groupware: Walter M. (F)
September 10: Constructing Research Proposals and Projects
Guest Presentation by Professor James Potter
September 15: Organizational Uses and Dimensions
Kling, Rob (ed.), Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and
Social Choices (Second Edition) (San Diego: Academic Press, 1996) pp. 108-276,
Part III,
H, I: Education: Raschelle K. (H), Vicki V., Christine P (I)
J, K: Productivity: Tami T. (J), Stephanie C. (K),
L. M: Organizational Change: Stacie O. (M)
September 17, 22, 24: Work and Organizations
Wrap up discussion on research proposals
[Please note: Discussion Paper One or the Book Review are due on September
17.]
Kling, Rob (ed.), Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and
Social Choices (Second Edition) (San Diego: Academic Press, 1996)
Part IV, pp 276-406
A
B, C, D: NCT, Control, and Work
E, G, H: Interface Design and Work
Castells, Manuel, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture
(Volume One) The Rise of the Network Society (Malden MA: Blackwell Publishers,
1996)
Chapter 3, pp 151-200.
Chapter 4, pp. 201-327.
September 29, October 1: Space and Time
Shields, Rob (editor), Cultures of Internet: Virtual Spaces, Real Histories,
Living Bodies (London: Sage Publications, 1996)
Chapter 5, pp. 70-99
Chapter 7, pp. 99-124.
Castells, Manuel, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture
(Volume One) The Rise of the Network Society (Malden MA: Blackwell Publishers,
1996)
Chapter 6, pp 376-424
Chapter 7, pp. 429-468.
October 6, 8, 13: Community, Identity, and Culture
[Please Note: Research Proposal is due on October 1]
Kling, Rob (ed.), Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and
Social Choices (Second Edition) (San Diego: Academic Press, 1996)
Part V, pp. 426-605.
A:
B: Personal Connectivity
C, G, H: Gender, and Democracy
E, F: Cyberlove
Shields, Rob (editor), Cultures of Internet: Virtual Spaces, Real Histories,
Living Bodies (London: Sage Publications, 1996).
Chapters 4: Bodies and the Net
Chapter 7: Responses to the Net
Chapter 8: Life and Death
Chapter 9: MUDs and Community
Chapter 11: Cyberfeminism
Castells, Manuel, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture
(Volume One) The Rise of the Network Society (Malden MA: Blackwell Publishers,
1996)
Chapter 5, pp. 327-375.
October 15, 20: Privacy and Social Control
[Please note: Discussion Paper Two is due on October 20]
Kling, Rob (ed.), Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and
Social Choices (Second Edition) (San Diego: Academic Press, 1996)
Part VI, pp. 614-743.
A:
B, C, D, E: Legal and Constitutional Issues
F. G: Surveillance and NCT
H, I, J, K: Privacy in Market Transactions
October 22, 27, 29: Globalization
Shields, Rob (editor), Cultures of Internet: Virtual Spaces, Real Histories,
Living Bodies (London: Sage Publications, 1996)
Chapter 1: Censorship and the GII
Chapter 2: Minitel
Chapter 3: Jamaica
Castells, Manuel, The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture
(Volume One) The Rise of the Network Society (Malden MA: Blackwell Publishers,
1996)
Chapter 2, pp. 66-148.
November 3, 5: Professional Ethics and Conduct
Kling, Rob (ed.), Computerization and Controversy: Value Conflicts and
Social Choices (Second Edition) (San Diego: Academic Press, 1996)
Part VIII, pp. 848-944.
A:
B, E: Ethical Issues
C, D, H: Professional Ethics and Conduct
SPECIAL TOPICS AND RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
[Schedule to be decided in consultation with seminar participants]
Tuesday, November 10:
Thursday, November 12:
[Please note: Draft research papers are due on November 12]
Tuesday, November 17:
Thursday, November 19:
Tuesday, November 24:
Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving Holiday: No Class Session
Tuesday, December 1:
Thursday, December 3:
Friday, December 4: [Final research papers are due]