Communication Studies Research Seminar (394-0-20)
Topic
Power and Inequality in the Digital Age
Instructors
Floor Fiers
Meeting Info
Frances Searle Building 3417: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
In this seminar course, we investigate the relationship between technology, specifically the Internet, and social inequality. The advent of the Internet has brought along opportunities for positive societal impact, from collective production and sharing of resources to social interaction between physically distanced members of marginalized groups. Yet, the Internet has also proven to have consequences that increasingly affect individuals' opportunities and life outcomes in terms of mental, physical, and social well-being. In this course, we explore how the Internet leads to the (re)production of systemic inequalities and think critically about the roles of various actors involved, such as governments, big tech firms, and end users. Throughout the course, you will learn about, analyze, and discuss key theoretical approaches and conceptual tools at the intersection of social inequality, power, and the Internet. Between in-class discussions and the research paper, you will have plenty of opportunities to apply class concepts to social issues as well as your own experiences. Ultimately, the topic of this course is a medium through which we will learn about consuming and producing academic writing. The essence of this course lies in building writing skills through a combination of lectures, workshops, and individual work cumulating in a long-form research proposal. It is important to note that our starting position will be that so-called "good writing" is a fallacy. Instead, authoring a coherent text is hard work that mainly consists of getting ideas onto paper and editing in an iterative fashion. Through the act of workshopping, the community of this class will prove to be vital to pushing all our thinking and writing. You won't leave this class "a good writer," but you will leave with the skills necessary to provide and receive high-quality feedback.
Class Attributes
Department Majors Only
Juniors Only
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Communication Studies Juniors and Seniors.