Course Syllabus

Link to downloadable Syllabus

 

Course Syllabus
Fall, 2024

Welcome to Sociology of Cyberspace!
[catalog code and section number: 01:920:101]

Our class begins on September 3, 2024, and ends on December 22, 2024. Should you need to drop this course, the last day to drop without a “W” grade is September 20,2024.

Academic Calendar Directory

Please keep a copy of this syllabus in your personal files; it may be helpful when you apply for future degrees, certifications, or transfer of credit. If you need any assistance with this, feel free to reach out.

 Your Instructor

Instructor:                Prof. Joseph Smith

Email:                        josephsmithxyz@rutgers.edu

Link:                          zoom.rutgers.edu

Office Hours:          Please reach out via email to schedule a meeting at a mutually convenient time.

Communication:

Throughout the semester, I will keep in touch with you through Canvas Announcements or your Rutgers email account. If you need assistance accessing these communications, please let me know so I can ensure you receive all important updates.

Throughout the semester, I will keep in touch with you through Canvas Announcements or your Rutgers email account. If you need assistance accessing these communications, please let me know so I can ensure you receive all important updates. You can expect a response to your emails within 24-48 hours during weekdays. For more urgent matters, please mention "URGENT" in the subject line of your email.

Course Overview

Course Description:
(What we will learn together)

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.

Prerequisites

What you should already know:

No prerequisite courses are 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.

How we will learn together:

This course is delivered fully online. Access your course site via Rutgers Canvas and log in using your NetID. If you need help accessing the course site, contact Canvas Help.

Why study this:

The course, Sociology of Cyberspace, is essential for understanding the profound impact of the internet and technology on modern society. This course aligns with Rutgers' mission to foster critical thinking, effective communication, and understanding of global issues. By studying this course, students will gain insights into how technological advancements shape human interactions, societal norms, and cultural changes. This knowledge is invaluable for future careers in various fields such as sociology, psychology, communication, and information technology.

Course Materials

Required Texts:

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

Additional Course Resources:

A variety of digital content may be provided during the course. All resources will be found within the Canvas course site. There may be additional reading assignments as student interests dictate.

Technology Requirements:

This course may require that you access online resources on the University’s Canvas site. Please review the following link for Canvas Student Resources assistance in getting started in Canvas:

Publisher Content and Technology Tools Accessibility Statements:

Canvas Accessibility Statements

Course Learning Objectives

By actively engaging in this course, you should be able to:

1. Identify specific ways in which the internet & technology have impacted communicatory practices and expectations.
2. Analyze and interpret scholarly articles to draw conclusions on technology’s impact based on research findings.
3. Review dated literature to determine if scholarly predictions of the past on technology’s impact have come to fruition over time.
4. Assess the pros and cons of computer-based communication and face-to-face communication.
5. Recognize if and how the internet & technology are impacting cognition.
6. 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.

 Instructional Methods

This fully online course employs a variety of teaching methods to facilitate learning:

• Lectures and Readings: Weekly recorded lectures and assigned readings will provide foundational knowledge and context.
• Discussion Forums: Engaging in discussions with peers to explore different perspectives and deepen understanding.
• Assignments and Projects: Practical assignments and a self-reflection project will encourage application of theoretical concepts.
• Quizzes and Assessments: Regular quizzes to test comprehension and retention of course material.

These methods aim to cater to different learning styles, encourage active participation, and provide continuous feedback.

Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy is centered on creating an inclusive, interactive, and student-focused learning environment. I believe that learning is a collaborative process where students construct knowledge through active engagement and reflection. My role is to facilitate this process by providing relevant resources, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging open dialogue. I value diversity and strive to create a space where all students feel respected and empowered to share their unique perspectives.

Inclusion Statement:

The Department of Sociology at Rutgers University opposes ethnic, race, and cultural biases that negatively affect underrepresented groups. We are committed to forming a diverse and embracing community in our department by developing appropriate curriculum, activities, and academic environments. In addition, we strive to provide an inclusive agenda for our outreach to a broader community, understanding that change needs to happen at the community level.

Supporting your Learning:

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 the "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.

 Successful Course Completion

To support your success in this course, please focus on the following:

• Participation: Actively engage in all online discussions and activities.
• Collaboration: Work effectively in groups for certain assignments and projects.
• Forum Postings: Regularly contribute to discussion forums with thoughtful and relevant posts.
• Time Management: Dedicate approximately 6-8 hours per week to coursework, including readings, assignments, and participation in discussions.
• Communication: Reach out promptly if you encounter any issues or need clarification on course materials.

Discussion Forum Post Requirements:
Discussion posts must adhere to the following:

• Approximately 200-300 words in length
• Initial posts are due Wednesday at 11:59 PM EST of each week and responses to at least two classmates are due Sunday at 11:59 PM 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 and Feedback

Grading Policy:

Feedback:

• Assignments: Graded within one week of submission.
• Discussion Posts: Feedback provided within five days.
• Email Responses: Within 24-48 hours on weekdays.

Final Course Grade:

Grades in this course are weighted according to the table below.

Activity or Major Assignment	Short Description	Points or Grade %
Self-Reflection Project	A comprehensive project that encourages students to reflect on their learning journey and apply course concepts.	50%
Blog Entries	Regular blog posts on course-related topics to encourage continuous engagement and reflection.	20%
Discussion Board Posts	Active participation in weekly discussions.	15%
Future Predictions Paper	A paper analyzing past scholarly predictions about technology and assessing their accuracy.	15%
Total		100%

 

Grading Scale:

The following grading scale will be used to determine your final grade in the course:

Grade	Range
A	100 – 90
B+	< 90 - 84
B	< 84 - 80
C+	< 80 - 74
C	< 74 - 70
D	< 70 - 60
F	60 and Below

 

Academic Policies

Submission Policy:

• Plagiarism Review: All assignments will be reviewed for plagiarism using Turnitin. Ensure that all work is original and properly cited.
• Preferred File Format: Submit all written assignments in Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF format.

 

Late Work:

One full letter grade could be deducted each day assignment is late at the instructor’s discretion (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.

Coursework Difficulties:

If you're facing a significant issue that prevents you from completing the coursework on time and/or during the semester, please contact me as soon as possible so we can discuss your options and find a solution together.

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism:

If you're ever unsure about what constitutes plagiarism or how to use sources correctly, please don't hesitate to ask for help from me or the appropriate university services. For additional information on academic honesty, refer to the Identifying and Avoiding Academic Dishonesty section of the Rutgers Academic Integrity website.

Using AI Tools:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including text generators like ChatGPT, can be valuable resources for learning and research. However, their use must be transparent and ethical:

• Disclosure: If you use AI tools to aid your work, you must disclose this use. Clearly indicate which parts of your assignment or project were assisted by AI.
• Attribution: Treat AI tools as you would any other source. Provide proper attribution and citations for any content generated by AI that you include in your submissions.
• Originality: Ensure that most of your work reflects your own understanding and effort. AI should not replace your critical thinking and creativity but rather support and enhance it.
• Accuracy: AI tools can sometimes produce inaccurate or biased information. Always verify the content generated by AI and use your judgment to determine its validity and relevance.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may be considered a violation of academic integrity and could result in disciplinary action. For further guidance, please refer to the Guidelines on the Use of AI at Rutgers.

Regarding using AI tools, please follow the Guidelines on the use of AI at Rutgers.

Let's work together to ensure our learning is genuine and respectful.

The Honor System 

To ensure a fair and respectful learning environment, we commit ourselves to the University Student Code of Conduct delineated below (per campus):

• Rutgers New Brunswick Student Conduct
• Rutgers Newark Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity
• Rutgers Camden Office of Community Standards

 Accommodations

In our class, we welcome students with disabilities to participate fully in all the University's educational programs. If you require reasonable accommodations, please reach out to your campus's disability services office. They will guide you through an intake interview and help you with the necessary documentation. Once your request is reviewed and supported, you will receive a Letter of Accommodation. Please share this letter with your instructors and have a conversation about your needs as early as possible in your courses. To start this process, complete the Registration form.

 Student Support Services

Academic Services:

For academic support visit Rutgers Academics Student Support.

Any student can obtain tutoring and other help at the Learning Centers on each campus. Check the website.

Many library resources are available online. Assistance is available through phone, email, and chat. For information, check the Rutgers Libraries website.

Veteran Services:

Rutgers is proud to support veterans. If you are a veteran of the armed forces, please visit the Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services website.

Student Basic Needs and Health Services:

Meeting your basic needs is crucial for your success. If you need support, please contact our school’s/program’s student affairs department.

Chosen Name Initiative

In our class, we respect and acknowledge that every student has the right to be called by their chosen/preferred name and to have their name pronounced correctly. If your chosen name is different from your legal name, visit the Chosen Name Initiative website to register your chosen name. You may also use the Shout-out tool in our Canvas course site to record the correct pronunciation of your name.

 

 Topics Schedule

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