INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
SOC4060 New Communication Technology and Society Spring 3 0 3 6
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Prof. Dr. AYŞE NİLÜFER NARLI
Recommended Optional Program Components: -
Course Objectives: This course explores the past, present and future of communication technologies and their impact on the society and media. It covers analytical perspectives, concepts and theories to understand communication technologies historically and conceptually and to examine radical changes in organization of society, labor and politics, brought about by the recent development in communication technologies and diffusion of digital technologies. It provides various perspectives on the co-construction of society and communication technology, with a recognition that communication technology represents a complex set of practices, norms, and values that both reflect and shape our convictions about personhood, identity, time, class, gender, space, labor, and politics. It also covers the social dynamics and the use of communication technologies.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
(1) Demonstrate the knowledge of the history of communication technologies
(2) Understand the general relationship between technology, communication, society, and culture
(3)Demonstrate the knowledge of the major conceptual and research issues related to communication technology
(4)Analyze and discuss contemporary key social issues (identity, politics, human rights) related communication technology
(5)Understand the internal and external dynamics that affect the use of communication technology
(6) Demonstrate the ability to understand virtual space and society
(7) Analyze communication technology in the Turkish context
(8) Develop a research proposal and design research project to study communication technology and society

Course Content

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of communication technologies and their profound influence on societal structures. It begins by addressing foundational concepts such as digital literacy and the digital divide, before tracing the historical trajectory of key innovations from the optical telegraph to contemporary mobile technologies. The course critically examines the role of technology in driving social change, utilizing theoretical frameworks like the network society and global village to understand the social construction of technology. The course also addresses pressing issues including media, political action, and the digital divide, as well as the socio-cultural dynamics of virtual life and online gaming. Through presentations and research projects, students will engage in a critical exploration of the interplay between communication technologies and society.

The teaching methods of the course are project, lecture , reading, fieldwork, collaborative learning, and guest speaker.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Orientation Course Schedule Review Orientation Discuss digital literacy, digital divide
2) Early History of Communication Technologies The Optical Telegraph”, Daniel Headrick, “Time, Space and the Telegraph” by James W.Carey, in Communication in history: Technology, culture, society. Routledge. Crowley, D., & Heyer, P. (2015).
3) Mass Communication Technologies and Social Construction of Technology Robert S. Fortner and Darya Yanitskaya,, (2014) “Theoretical Perspectives on the Social Construction of Technology “ in the Handbook of Media and Mass Communication Technology, John Wiley&Sons
4) Advent of Communication Technologies Documentary film : Lo and Behold : Reveries of the Connected World by Werner Herzog
5) The Mobile Phone and...Smartphone, identity, democracy Sherry Turkle, “Always-On/Always-On-You: The Tethered Self” in Handbook of Mobile Communication Studies 2008
6) Political actions and Media Howard Rheingold, “Mobile Media and Political Collective Action” in Handbook of Mobile Communication Studies 2008
7) Midterm Exam
8) Oral presentation of the research proposal and feedback in the classroom (10 minutes for each student). Presentation I
9) Communication Technology, Innovation, Social Change and Future Ingeborg Astrid Kleppe and James Hosea, “Connecting local food to global consumers via the Internet” in Information and Communication Technologies in Rural Society. Being Rural in a Digital Age. Marsaili Macleod, “Revitalising rural Europe’s indigenous languages” in Information and Communication Technologies in Rural Society. Being Rural in a Digital Age.
10) Theories of Communication Technologies: Network Society and Global Village Castells, M. (2007). Communication, power and counter-power in the network society. International journal of communication, 1(1), 29. Mcluhan, M.(1964) Understanding Media, the extensions of man, Newyork: McGraw-Hill
11) Communication Technology and Digital Divide Antonelli, C. (2003). The digital divide: understanding the economics of new information and communication technology in the global economy. Information Economics and Policy, 15(2), 173-199.. Viviana Rojas, Joseph Straubhaar, Debasmita Roychowdhury, and Ozlem Okur (2004)“Communities, Cultural Capital, and the Digital Divide” in Media Access. Social and Psychological Dimensions of New Technology Use Additional Readings: Linda A. Jackson Gretchen Barbatsis Frank A. Biocca Alexander von Eye Yong Zhao Hiram E. Fitzgerald ,(2004) “Home Internet Use in Low-Income Families: Is Access Enough to Eliminate the Digital Divide? In in Media Access. Social and Psychological Dimensions of New Technology Use
12) Living a Virtual Life and Games Kolo, C., & Baur, T. (2004). Living a virtual life: Social dynamics of online gaming. Game studies, 4(1), 1-31. Additional Reading: T.L. Taylor(2006) , Play between Worlds. Exploring Online Game Culture, the MIT Press Terms and Conditions May Apply- Netflix documentary
13) Final Project Presentations Oral presentation of the research project in the classroom and debate.
14) Final Project Presentations Oral presentation of the research project in the classroom and debate.

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Ders notları Its-learning kütüphanesinde sağlanmaktadır.

Course notes are provided on Its-learning library
References: Diğer gerekli okumalar, öğrencilere Itslearning üzerinden yüklenecektir. Herhangi bir materyale erişemiyorsanız, lütfen dersin öğretim görevlisi ile iletişime geçin.

Other required readings will be uploaded to students via Itslearning. If you cannot access any material, please contact the instructor of the course.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 14 % 10
Homework Assignments 1 % 15
Presentation 1 % 20
Midterms 1 % 25
Final 1 % 30
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 70
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 30
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Study Hours Out of Class 13 1 13
Presentations / Seminar 2 10 20
Project 1 15 15
Homework Assignments 2 10 20
Paper Submission 1 5 5
Final 1 10 10
Total Workload 125

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Build up a body of knowledge in mathematics, science and industrial engineering subjects; use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve complex engineering problems.
2) Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; select and apply proper analysis and modeling methods for this purpose.
3) Design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; apply modern design methods for this purpose. The ability to apply modern design methods to meet this objective.
4) Devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for solving complex problems in industrial engineering practice; employ information technologies effectively.
5) Design and conduct experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for investigating the complex problems specific to industrial engineering.
6) Cooperate efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; and show self-reliance when working independently.
7) Demonstrate effective communication skills in both oral and written English and Turkish. Writing and understanding reports, preparing design and production reports, making effective presentations, giving and receiving clear and understandable instructions.
8) Recognize the need for lifelong learning; show ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continuously educate him/herself. 3
9) Develop an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility, and behaving accordingly. Information about the standards used in engineering applications.
10) Know business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; develop an awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development. 4
11) Know contemporary issues and the global and societal effects of modern age engineering practices on health, environment, and safety; recognize the legal consequences of engineering solutions.
12) Develop effective and efficient managerial skills.