Course Syllabus

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About

Instructor Information

Instructor: Prof. Joseph Yankus

Office: Lifelong Learning Center, 2nd flr.

Office Hours:M-F, 1:00pm – 2:00pm or by appointment

Phone: (973) 761-9027

Email: joseph.yankus@rutgers.edu

Course Description

This elective course explores the ever-developing phenomenon of the internet and technology. Since its revolutionary expansion in the 1990’s, the internet has served as a pivotal source of information relay and communication by forever changing the methods and speeds in which we interact. The societal impact of this development is astonishing, and the course analyzes this notion with an emphasis on strengthening the student’s “sociological eye” through online articles, studies, and discussion. Psychology and communication perspectives are also explored.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify specific ways in which the internet & technology have impacted communicatory practices and expectations.
  • Analyze and interpret scholarly articles to draw conclusions on technology’s impact based on research findings.
  • Review dated literature to determine if scholarly predictions of the past on technology’s impact have come to fruition over time.
  • Assess the pros and cons of computer-based communication and face-to-face communication.
  • Recognize if and how the internet & technology are impacting cognition.
  • Describe the history of the internet and understand the timeline under which it has evolved.
  • Identify patterns in their own internet & technology use and reflect on how it is impacting their own lives.

Course Materials

A variety of readings and materials will be distributed via Canvas. No physical textbook is required.

Prerequisite Information

No prerequisite courses required.

Students must be able to navigate an online learning environment and interact with course materials, assignments, and the Canvas interface proficiently.

Students must be able to perform basic word processing tasks to complete assignments.

Expectations

Students are expected to:

  • Use their university email address when emailing the Instructor and fellow students
  • Review the how to get started information located in "Getting Started” module.
  • Introduce yourself to the class during the first week by posting a self-introduction in the
  • appropriate discussion forum.
  • Interact online with instructor/s and peers.
  • Review and follow the course calendar.
  • Submit assignments by the corresponding deadline.

The instructor will:

  • Respond to discussion boards, blogs, and journal postings within five days.
  • Respond to e-mails within one–two business days.
  • Grade assignments within seven days of the assignment deadline.

Discussion Forums

Discussion posts must adhere to the following:

  • Approximately 200-300 words in length
  • Initial posts due Wednesday at 11:59PM EST of each week and responses to at least two classmates due Sunday at 11:59PM EST.
  • Must contain original thoughts on the subject at hand and address all questions in the
  • discussion prompt.
  • Instructor will respond to each post, often playing “devil’s advocate” to facilitate further debate and discussion.

Grading Policies

Grading Overview

Grade overview including points and percentage of grade.
Assignment Possible Points Percent of Grade
Self Reflection Project 50 50%
Blog Entries 20 20%
Discussion Board Posts 15 15%
Future Predictions Paper 15 15%

 

Grade Scale

Grade scale with percentages and points.
A 93-100 93-100
A- 90-92 90-92
B+ 87-89 87-89
B 83-86 83-86
B- 80-82 80-82
C+ 77-79 77-79
C 73-76 73-76
C- 70-72 70-72
D 67-69 67-69
F 0-67 0-67

Late Policy

One full letter grade will be deducted per each day late (i.e. an assignment graded as an A would become a B if submitted a day late). This policy can be excused or modified for documented extenuating circumstances, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

TLT Syllabus Template-06.20.docx

Course Summary:

Date Details Due