Social Networks

Description

The proliferation of social media – social networking websites, blogging and micro blogging, and other forms of online interaction and content generation – has introduced a powerful tool for people to communicate and share information. This course will introduce theories and methods for analyzing and understanding how people use these technologies and their societal implications. The course will introduce students to the concept of social media analytical tools, which allow researchers to understand the deep meaning of big data. Students will develop skills for describing and understanding the patterns and usage of services like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others. Also students will understand well the concepts of social media ethics. Students will read classic and cutting edge articles and books about these topics and discuss their applicability to this new social media.

Objectives

•  Distinguish the competing communication perspectives to explore the reasons behind the widespread popularity of the social network platforms.  Evaluate the implications of social networks for personal relationships, youth culture, organizations, social research, and personal privacy.  Understand how these social technologies impact society and vice versa.  Develop skills for describing and understanding the patterns and usage of services like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media platforms.  understand the concepts of social media analytical tools  Understand the link between qualitative and quantitative methods of social network analysis.  Understand the concerns relating to the social networks ethics.  Apply case studies relating to the social media ethics  Distinguish between traditional mediatheories and social media theories.  Understand the concept of Networked Public sphere theory.