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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "BUS/CMS 361-1"
COURSE NAME: "Social Networks and Media Management"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Daniele Pica
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 11:30AM 12:45PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Junior Standing
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course explores the significance of social networks in business and social life. The focus of the course is to critically appreciate social media platforms across a variety of contexts. The course investigates issues related to the management of social media in terms of the strategies and tactics related to successful deployment and cultivation of business/social initiatives and the redefinition of the customer/user as a central element in value creation. Issues related to participatory culture, communication power, collaborative work and production, privacy and surveillance, and political economy of social media are explored in depth through the use of contemporary cases.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course investigates the impact of social media in contemporary business and social activities. It explores how social media redefines the relationships between customers and suppliers of goods and services, and between traditional institutions and constituents. It further reviews social media in a variety of contexts such as political groups, grassroots news media, and fan groups.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students completing this course should be able to:

-       Critically appreciate social media and social networks

-       Understand how social media affects the strategies and tactics of business organizations and formulate social media strategies

-       Understand the future development of social media in terms of the impact on organizations, individuals, and society

-       Specialize in a particular aspect of social media (e.g. privacy, marketing, surveillance, promotion, group formation etc.)

-       Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding online information flow and interaction

To sum up, this course seeks to build both a theoretical and an empirical foundation to understanding the way social media has affected business and social life. Furthermore, with a group project, this course allows students to study in depth an emerging social network related phenomenon of their choice.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Social Media ExplainedMark W. SchaeferMark W. Schaefer978-0615840031     
How Companies Succeed in Social Business: Case Studies and Lessons from Adobe, Cisco, Unisys, and 18 More BrandsShawn SantosPearson FT Press978-0134036489      
Social Media: A Critical IntroductionChristian FuchsSAGE Publications Ltd 978-1446257319      
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm Exam 30%
Group ProjectA 3500 words group project on emerging trends in Social Networks or Social Media Strategy40%
Cumulative Final Exam 30%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Class attendance is mandatory even though not graded. If a student misses more then 3 or more unexcused lectures he/she will be penalized with a 5% mark down in the final grade. Missing more than 5 lectures might results in the students being dropped from the course. 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

 

SCHEDULE (by week)


1

Introduction to Course Contents

2

Innovation: Core Concepts

3

Social Media: Key Concepts

 

4

Participatory Culture

 

5

Economy of Social Media

 

6

Politics in Social Media

 

7

Businesses and Social Media

 

8

Midterm

 

9

Issues with Social Media: Privacy and Surveillance

 

10

Marketing and Social Media

 

11

Social Media Strategy

 

 

12

Competitive Advantage and Social Media

13

Project Presentations

14

Final Review