Cyberspace and Society Syllabus

Cyberspace and Society (920.425)
Winterim 2005
Professor Robert Wood

'This course explores how computers and the internet are changing society, and how individuals, groups, and societies are responding to the challenges and opportunities that cyberspace is creating.The course also seeks to foster internet and computer skills important for doing sociological and other forms of work and for being an effective citizen in an increasingly computerized and networked society.

Required Text (ordered at bookstore): Lawrence Lessig, Free Culture: How Big Media Uses Technology and the Law to Lock Down Culture and Control Creativity (Penguin Press, 2004)

Other Readings: will be either distributed in class or made available online.

Links: Expore Resources for the Study of the Internet and Society on the left toolbar for studies and commentaries about how the internet and society are changing each other.

Daily Routine:

9:00: Meet for discussion in BSB 118
Subsequently: Move to classroom lab in BSB 117 to work on course exercises and projects

Requirements:

Because of the intensive nature of winterim courses, attendance at all classes is required; absences must be excused or else they will be penalized. While there may be minor adjustments in the requirements, grading will be based on the following: 1) Two assignments listed at the WebCT Assignments page and submitted there by the time specified (20%); 2) A lab assignment involving publishing a home page (10%); 3) A "mid-term" exam on Jan. 10th combining multiple-choice questions and essays, including a brief research project statement (20%); 4) A class presentation on the final day about your research project (10%); 5) Research Project webpage (30%); 6) Class Attendance and Participation, including discussion topic leadership and postings to WebCT bulletin boards (10%-15%).

January 4, 2005