This course addresses the Internet's increasing impact as a dynamic platform of professional communication practices. Students will examine how a knowledge environment fused with social networking capabilities creates unprecedented opportunities, challenges and risks for the contemporary organization and its members. Drawing on case-grounded theory and hands-on investigation, students will explore the organizational revolution implicit in present and emergent technological innovations and virtual networking trends in order to develop the strategic knowledge and critical practices necessary to communicate in the workplace of today while anticipating the workplace of tomorrow.
This course takes the initial position that without experience, it is difficult to understand the value or meaning of technology designed for communication, and blends technology, communication and scholarship with exploration and experience through a combination of seminars, class discussions, and engagement with technologies. Throughout these explorations, students will consider the value and the effects of these technologies on communication practices from both theoretical and experiential points of view. Upon completion, students will: