CMNS 815 - OUTLINE

Communication technology: A study of social theories of information technologies, examining issues affecting computer-mediated communication.

Instructor: Richard Smith

Wiki: Members of the class

Office: HCC3574 (as of September 1); Phone: 604.291.5116 email: smith@sfu.ca

Fall 2006 SFU Vancouver Tuesdays 9:30 am - 1:20 pm Room HCC 1525 (except Dec 5 when we are in 1500). First class is September 12.

Introduction

In this course we consider the way in which scholars have dealt with communication technology and we look at how communication technology is affecting, and affected by society. We do this in several ways. First, through reading and discussions based on a core set of texts that explain, critique, and engage us in studies of the "social construction of technology" (SCOT) literature, including a group of case studies. Second, in conversation with several communication scholars in Canada who have agreed to share with us their background, approach, and concerns about technology in our society. Third, we take a look at how other students in CMNS - through a reading of past communication theses - have dealt with technology in their work.

We begin by setting the scene with a survey of current communication technologies, how they work, and a discussion of some of the implications of their use. We will, for example, look at multimedia mobile devices, networked digital surveillance systems, and open-source software (desktop and web-based).

The course then moves into a review of the concepts of social construction of technology and its critiques. A reading package will be provided and each student will take on a reading and/or a case study from this section (depending on the number of students).

We then take a comparative look at other scholars' approaches to technology. In past semesters we have interviewed William Leiss, Maria Bakardjieva, and Andrew Feenberg. We start each interview by asking the scholar what got them interested in studying technology as a problem in communication, what keeps them motivated and what do they see as the key challenges in their work in the coming years. We also ask them about the methods they use when tackling these issues. Students will participate in the preparation of the interviews and conversations with these scholars and prepare a wiki page on each of them.

We conclude with an examination of technology approaches in SFU graduate student theses. Each student will be asked to review a recent CMNS graduate student's thesis and provide a synopsis of how technology was dealt with: theoretically, practically, and how it affected their research method.

In this course we will "walk the talk" in terms of communication technology, with parts of the course potentially taking place via room-based video-conference, desktop video conference, instant messaging and e-mail, streaming video from a web site, a course web site with online discussion area, a wiki, and an email mailing list.

As a seminar course, students are expected to read all the assigned readings and come prepared to discuss in depth.

NOTE: The course begins in the second week of the semester (Sept 12), but runs the usual 13 weeks, so we end Dec 5. NOTE: The instructor is away September 26. Class will happen regardless, but via virtual presence and a guest.

READING LIST

One book is required: W.E.Bijker, T. P. Hughes, & T. Pinch (Eds.), The Social Construction of Technological Systems (pp. 51-81). Cambridge, Massachusetts. London: The MIT Press. (Buy at Amazon). NOTE: You can get away with just copying the three readings from this book, if you like. We have placed them on "Reserve" in the grad photocopying area in Burnaby, and in CPROST on the 3rd floor of Harbour Centre.

Five other books are recommended, in addition to a package of readings available from the course web site. Please do not purchase any texts prior to the first class.

Leiss, W. (1990). Under Technology's Thumb. Montreal and Kingston, McGill-Queen's University Press. [Theories of technology] OR Leiss, W. (2006). Hera, or, Empathy: a work of Utopian fiction. [Ottawa], Magnus & Associates. [biotechnology/bioenginering/science and religion]

Feenberg, A. (2002). Transforming technology: a critical theory revisited. Oxford; New York, N.Y., Oxford University Press. [theories of technology]

Bakardjieva, M. (2005). Internet society: the Internet in everyday life. London; Thousand Oaks, Calif., SAGE. [internet]

Gow, G. A. (2005). Policymaking for critical infrastructure: a case study on strategic interventions in public safety telecommunications. Aldershot, England; Burlington, VT, Ashgate. (mobile phones & safety) OR Gow, G. and R. Smith (2006). Mobile and Wireless Communications. London, McGraw-Hill. (mobile phones, an introduction)

EVALUATION

• participation in weekly discussions - 20%

• presentations of readings and thesis material - 40%
• essay or project - 40%

SCHEDULE

NOTE: A full syllabus will be distributed in class in the first week. The following is a preliminary guide.

PART 1 - Getting started (Weeks 1-2)

Agenda: Getting acquainted and establishing common reference points. Building consensus on HOW we're going to work together and what our objectives are. Then an overview of perspectives on technology, including "black box" and "inside the black box" approaches. We also spend some time on "how things work" and set up a class schedule.

PART 2 - Social constructivism (Weeks 3-7)

Reviewing current thinking about the way in which (communication) technology and society are connected. Giving us all an up to date knowledge of the state of the art in this area, including critiques of the social constructivism approach.

PART 3 - Thinking about technology in local terms (Weeks 8-11)

Looking at different "generations" of scholars and their encounters with (communication) technology in society. Understanding what motivates and inspires and guides those encounters. Each of these scholars has generously agreed to meet with us and discuss their viewpoints. We'll "meet" in a variety of ways, including face to face, e-mail, voice conferencing, video conferencing, and group messaging, instant messaging.

PART 4 - Thinking about technology on our own terms (Weeks 12-13)

We take a look through previous dissertations to see how former CMNS grad students dealt with communication technology. In open discussion we consider what works from your own research and what is something you can take away. Each student will prepare a brief presentation on a previous student's work relating to technology from the archive of CMNS Theses in the library.