Week 2
History of diffusion research and how it applies to new technologies.
> Read Rogers, pp. 39-101.
Week 3
The innovation-development process. The role of socio-economic level. Basic vs. applied research.
> Sign up in class for your discussion leader topic. First come, first served.
> Read Rogers, pp. 136-167.
Week 4
The innovation-decision process: knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, confirmation. Role of communication channels in the process. Effects of the Internet on adoption.
> Read Rogers, pp. 168-218.
Week 5
Attributes of innovations: rate of adoption, relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability.
> Read Rogers, pp. 219-266, and Rheingold, pp. 157-182.
Week 6
Comparison of what we have learned from Rogers (so far) with the rise of the Internet and its diffusion worldwide.
> Read Castells, pp. 355-406.
Week 7
Types of adopters.
> Bring your own copy of the Graham article to class.
> Read Rogers, pp. 267-299, and Graham, pp. 131-156.
Week 8
Mid-semester test.
Week 9
Types of innovations.
> All research proposals are due in class this week.
> Read Rogers, pp. 300-364.
Week 10
Diffusion campaigns and consequences.
> Read Rogers, pp. 436-471, and el-Nawawy and Iskandar, pp. 45-69.
Weeks 11-15
Topics from the list; student discussion leader assignments each week.
> Readings to be announced (students choose the readings for the whole class).
Week 16
Final test.