SOCIAL MEDIA

This course studies social media in the digital age from a sociological perspective. The course reviews the development of mass media and its impacts on social life. With the advancement in information and communication technology, smartphones have replaced televisions as devices for access to the media. Most importantly, the access is anytime and anywhere as well as the content can be generated by the users. More and more Internet-of-Things are merged which change all aspects of our daily life, not restricted to the way of communication and transaction. This course covers all the political, social and economic aspects of social media and further explores its future development in connection with human society. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to 1. Understand the nature of mass media change and the era of the network society. 2. Discuss the effects on individuals and society in the network society from a sociological perspective. 3. Explain the identity, interaction, human relationship, and social structure issues in social media in sociological theories. 4. Explore the further development of social media and the corresponding changes in human society.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to 1. Understand the nature of information technology change and the era of network society. 2. Discuss the effects on individuals and society in the network society in sociological perspective. 3. Explain the identity, interaction, human relationship, and social structure issues in the network society in sociological theories. 4. Explore the further development of ICT technology and the further changes in human society.

Students should acquaint with the University’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism. Cheating and examination impersonation will be disqualified. Penalties will be applied for late submission of assignments and papers. Please refer to the related rules and regulations of the College for details. Class rules: Sick leave needs a doctor’s prescription afterwards. Causal leave needs preapproval supporting documents that can be submitted afterwards. Deadlines of assignment and presentation are not extendable. Late submission of assignments is generally not acceptable. In an exceptional case, a penalty may be applied. No re-sit for the quiz and exam for any reason. For sick leave and a family member’s funeral coincident with the quiz or exam date, a compensation test will be given afterwards without penalty.

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Social media is not only a new media sector but also a media of all public, business and non-profit sectors. Many positions in social media are non-technical suit social science and business degree graduates. Beyond the media industry, almost all companies and organizations require knowledge in using the internet and in particular social media. Those completed this course basic gain related knowledge facilitating their work in growing environment of using social media.