COM 445 - Social Media and Contemporary Society

Prerequisites, COM 100, or SCC 100 with a minimum grade of B- and COM 295, or SCC 295 with a minimum grade of C and COM 151. This course is a two-part journey through the recent integration of social media into society. In the first section, we will explore the historical roots of new and social media, spending time understanding the roles of each of the major social media (e.g., AIM, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter). In the second section, we will investigate a variety of ways that new media have influenced important facets of our everyday lives (e.g., politics, health, privacy, relationships). An understanding of social scientific research methods is helpful, but not required. Some sections of this course may be offered for communication studies and/or strategic and corporate communication majors only. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits