STS 310: Digital Media and Society

Course Description

Online platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat have impacted social interaction so rapidly and dramatically that this period in history has been called a digital revolution. This class explores the digital revolution from a sociological perspective. We examine the effects of new and rapidly evolving means of communication on the self, groups, and society. Applying sociological theory, the class explores topics such as digital identity, cyber crime, and virtual social movements. Questions addressed include: How does communicating on social media impact ourselves and our relationships? Are social media exclusionary or democratic? and How do social movements function on social media? In addition to critically evaluating digital media, students will gain basic practical skills: understanding the virtual landscape, learning “best practices,” and exploring how to use digital technologies in more critical and more powerful ways. (W, YR).