Syllabus
- Course Contents.
- Literature
- Grading Elements
- Late Assignments
- Course Policies
- Tentative Course Outline
COMM 495: Digital Revolution and the Information Crisis
First of all, this is a hybrid course (half online, half onsite). We will meet face-to-face in the official classroom (RVAC 102) Wednesdays from 10:50 to 12:05 am. The online part of the course will be asynchronous. In case you do not know, asynchronous means, in the context of online teaching, that we will NOT meet at regular times as a group. In the online section of this course, you will have to work independently. In addition to the onground meetings, take into account that you will have to work independently with the videos in the different learning units for at least two hours every week. The advantage of asynchronous online instruction is that you can flexibly adapt the home working time to your schedule. Plus, This special topic course is requires intensive reading. In the literature section of the syllabus and in every leaning units, you will find detailed information about the reading material.
Course Contents
For decades, mass communication scholars have been investigating the triangular relationship between mass media, public opinion and political power. If in a democratic society, political power directly flows from public opinion as it is generally assumed, it is priority to understand how mass media might impact public opinion. The powerful media hypothesis suggests that, through the control of the masses, media play a key role in the political game. The brutal irruption of new digital communication technologies is challenging the traditional mass communication paradigm and the power position of the so-called legacy media. In the current chaotic media landscape, there is a growing uncertainty about the sources citizens are using to get information on current issues. The course “Digital Revolution and the Information Crisis” explores this chaos. It defines the meaning of and differentiate trendy concepts, such as “disinformation, “misinformation”, or “fake news”, and reveals strategies to control the flow of information through sophisticated surveillance methods. Furthermore, We study the correlation of the information crisis with the growing political polarization and the rise of populist movements in the Western world. The ultimate axiom in a democracy is that the system cannot work without solid and functional citizenship, a citizenship that can rely on accurate and well grounded information. The course reflects on the impact of a poorly informed citizenship on the democratic process.
Literature
Every learning unit will include information about the necessary reading material (journal articles, books and book chapters) will be available in the course’s Web-site. Be aware that this is going to be a reading and writing intense course.
In addition to that, we will be working with two major texts:
Graber, Doris A. and Johanna Dunaway. 2014. Mass Media and American Politics (11th Edition), Washington D.C.: CQ Press.
This book is available in CCSA’s bookstore. You can also find some affordable options in Amazon: Mass Media and American Politics
Zuboff, Shoshana. 2019. The Age of Surveillance Capitalism. The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power, New York: PublicAffairs.
Zuboff’s book is also available in Amazon at a reasonable price: Age of Surveillance Capitalism
Herman, Edward S.; Chomsky, Noam. 1988. Manufacturing Consent, New York: Random House.
Lippmann, Walter. 1922. Public Opinion.
Grading
| Examinations | ||
| Midterm Exam | 25% | |
| Final Exam | 35% | |
| Case Study | ||
| Case Study | 25% | |
| Case Study Presentation | 5% | |
| Participation | 10% |
Graded Assignments:
Examinations
There will a midterm exam and a final exam, which includes the contents of the whole course. Exams will cover material from the class and the case studies published in Blackboard Vista. There will be no make-up exams (except for well documented medical emergencies). All the assessments in this course will take place online, in the Blackboard Vista environment. Please, make sure that you are familiar with the system before the day scheduled for the exams.
Case Study (+ Presentation)
In this assignment, you must focus on a specific case that illustrates any of the topics related to to the course contents. It may be an example of misinformation, disinformation or fake news. You could also select a case of media surveillance or any of the mass media effects studied in the course (agenda setting, cultivation effect, instrumental use of news). The stronger you feel about the topic, the more likely you will find interesting material in your research. I encourage you to discuss with me your ideas to make sure that you selected case is suitable for this assignment. You are also welcome to send me drafts sot that I can give you feedback to improve the final submission.
This assignment encompasses a class presentation of about 10-15 minutes. You will have to present to your fellow students the main findings and the conclusion of your case study. The presentation will make 5% of your final grade.
Participation
The participation grade will be based on your activity in the blogs. You must read the entries of your fellow students and post your own comments. The goal is to make those forums as interactive as possible (similar to the class discussions triggered by students’ presentations in on-ground classes).
Late Assignments
Late assignments will be graded so you receive feedback, but will be worth only half credit (100 pt. paper receives 50 points). This is a severe penalty; it is not fair to others who met the deadlines if we accept yours late. The instructor will not accept any assignment more than one week late. In the 21st century, printer troubles or computer problems are no longer reasonable excuses for late papers. The instructor suggests knowing the equipment well enough and allowing ample time in case of problems.
Course Policies
The instructor reserves the ultimate right to modify the schedule of activities, assignments and tests for the class as it deems necessary. In addition, the professor reserves his right to assess the overall ability of the students to meet the expectations of the course and will exercise his right to pass or fail the student accordingly.
Attendance
Attendance in this course is ONLY mandatory when graded assignments (presentations, quizzes, and final exam) or group work are scheduled. However, it is highly recommended to attend classes on a regular basis because the contents of the exams will be based on the contents of classes and class discussions.
Punctuality
If you decide to attend classes, you will need to do it on time. After 10 minutes courtesy, the door will be closed and students will not be allowed to enter the room.
Electronic devices
To enhance the active participation in the class, the use of mobile electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptops, tablets or netbooks, is not allowed in this course.
Incompletes
The University’s policy on the awarding of incompletes is discussed in the catalog and will be followed in this class.
Academic Dishonesty
CCSU has a zero tolerance policy on academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating on homework or exams, and also plagiarism. Demonstrated cases of academic dishonesty can result in severe penalties including receiving an “F” in the class.
To learn more about this subject, please read CCSU’s policy of academic misconduct at
http://web.ccsu.edu/academicintegrity
Special Needs
Please contact me privately to discuss your specific needs if you believe you need course accommodations based on the impact of a disability, medical condition, or if you have emergency medical information to share. I will need a copy of the accommodation letter from Student Disability Services in order to arrange your class accommodations. Contact Student Disability Services, room 241, Copernicus Hall if you are not already registered with them. Student Disability Services maintains the confidential documentation of your disability and assists you in coordinating reasonable accommodations with your faculty.
Diversity Statement
It is our intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. We will present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture, perspective, and other background characteristics. Please let us know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups. In addition, we have attempted to avoid conflicts with major religious holidays. If, however, we have inadvertently scheduled an exam or major deadline that creates a conflict with your religious observances, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can make other arrangements.
Tentative Course Outline
| Week | Course Contents |
|---|---|
| Week 0 1/17 to 1/19 | Introduction to the Course / Information Crisis in the Digital Age |
| Week 1 1/22 to 1/26 | Key Concepts: Disinformation, Misinformation, Fake News |
| Week 2 1/29 to 2/2 | Key Concepts: Propaganda |
| Week 3 2/5 to 2/9 | Walter Lippmann News vs Truth |
| Week 4 2/12 to 2/16 | Mass Media Effects I and II The Powerful Mass Media / Minimal Effects Return to the Concept of Powerful Mass Media |
| Week 5 2/19 to 2/23 | Mass Media Effects III New Media The New Mass Comm Paradigm |
| Week 6 2/26 to 3/1 | Herman and Chomsky: Manufacturing Consent |
| Week 7 3/4 to 3/8 | Midterm Exam – Friday, March 8 |
| 3/11 to 3/17 | Spring Break |
| Week 8 3/18 to 3/22 | Mass Media and Political Power Media Landscape, Regulation, Control |
| Week 9 3/25 to 3/29 | The Degeneration of Democracy: Corruption and Populism |
| Week 10 4/1 to 4/5 | News Biases, Polarization, Mis- and Disinformation |
| Week 11 4/8 to 4/12 | Surveillance and Political Power I Science of Behavior |
| Week 12 4/15 to 4/19 | Surveillance and Political Power II Private vs Public Life 4/19 Case Study Due |
| Week 13 4/22 to 4/26 | Totalitarianism Hannah Arendt |
| Week 14 4/29 to 5/3 | Freedom, Equality, Democracy Voluntary Servitude |
| 5/6 to 5/12 | Final Exams |
Important Dates
| Date | |
|---|---|
| January 17 – January 23 | Add/Drop period |
| January 23 | Last day to change from part-time to full-time status Last day to drop first eight-week course without “W” Last day for part-time students to drop full semester course with 100% refund Last day for full-time students to withdraw from the university with 90% refund |
| January 24 – February 76 | Full-time students may drop courses but cannot drop below full-time status |
| January 30 | Last day for part-time students to drop full semester course with 60% refund Last day for full-time students to withdraw from the university with 60% refund |
| February 6 | Last day for part-time students to drop full semester course with 40% refund Last day to drop full semester course without “W” Last day to change from full-time to part-time status Last day to declare pass/fail and audit options for full semester courses |
| February 7 – April 16 | Withdrawal (no permission required) period for full semester course runs through April 19 |
| March 27 | Summer registration begins |
| April 5 – April 19 | Fall registration period for matriculated students (based on level, and for Undergraduates based on earned credits). |
| April 16 | Last day to withdraw from the University or from a course without permission |
| April 20 | Late course withdrawal form required to withdraw from full semester course (written permission of instructor and chairperson required) |
| May 1 | Suggested priority deadline for undergraduates to apply for May 2024 graduation (Office of the Registrar) |