About This Course
Description
This course examines the relationships between communication technologies and democracy, not only in the United States but elsewhere as well. New communication technologies, such as the Internet, will not automatically lead to or improve democracy, but they do contribute to changes in the society as a whole. We will examine how changes related to communication media might enhance or curtail democracy, with a particular emphasis on the relationships among the press, the public, and the government in a democracy. Please note that the press includes TV, Internet, and other media. NGOs (nonprofits) also play a role in democracy today.
Objectives
Students in this course will:
- Assess the hallmarks of a democratic society and the rights and responsibilities it confers.
- Consider the effects of communication technologies on individuals, societies and the "global village."
- Plan and propose an independent study of how the introduction or use of new communication technologies affects (or might affect) democratic practices in a society or social system.
By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss, from an informed and up-to-date position, implications and possible consequences of various newer communication tools and systems, such as social networks, blogging, YouTube, RFID chips and other surveillance technologies, changing conditions of copyrights, and crowdsourcing.
Attendance and Attitude
Students are expected to show respect for one another and for the instructor. Attendance and arriving on time for class are necessary. Lateness and absences will result in a lower final grade. If you have been absent, you are responsible for finding out about any missed material by going to the instructor’s office hours. These matters will not be handled via e-mail.
Mobile devices must be turned OFF during class. Do not check text messages, e-mail, Facebook, etc., during class, as your instructor considers this quite rude and therefore grounds for disciplinary action.
Give your full and undivided attention to anyone who is speaking in class, including your fellow students.
Deadlines
Late assignments are not accepted. Assignments are not accepted via e-mail unless requested by the instructor. If an illness or a personal emergency prevents you from completing an assignment on time, advance notice and written documentation are required.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty of any kind is not tolerated in this course. It will be reported to Student Judicial Affairs, and it will result in a failing grade for the course. The university's Academic Honesty Guidelines provide additional details, which you are expected to understand completely. The graduate handbooks of the College of Journalism and Communications provide details about plagiarism. You can download the master's handbook here and the Ph.D. handbook here.
Students with Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations will be made for any students with disabilities. If you have a disability, the Dean of Students Office will give you official documentation, which you will give to your instructor. More information is on the Disability Resources page from the Dean of Students Office.