journalism and the networked world

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Journalism and the Networked WorldJournalism 390-0-24 (Special Topics)

Winter 2010: Wednesdays 2-5 p.m.

McCormick Tribune Center, Room 3-107

Rich Gordon

(847) 467-5968Office: 4-119 McCormick Tribune Center

Office Hours: By appointment

[email protected]

Noshir Contractor

(847) 491-3669Office: Tech D241

Office Hours: By appointment

[email protected]

Teaching assistant: Brian KeeganOffice: Frances Searle, Room 2-168

Office hours: Thursdays 12:30pm - 1:30pm or by [email protected]

Introduction

The practice of journalism has historically assumed one-way content delivery via a mediaproduct or package such as a newspaper, magazine or broadcast. With digital technology,

however, both one-way delivery and the concept of a media product are diminishing in

importance. Displacing them are two key developments: (1) hyperlinked online content, whichcreates an entirely different way for people to find and discover information and entertainment;

and (2) the multiway communication capabilities made possible by technologies such as

weblogs, discussion boards and social networks. Both of these developments can be illuminatedthrough an understanding of the science of networks. This experimental, interdisciplinary course

will explore the connections among networks, media and journalism -- orienting you to network-

based frameworks and helping you understand and thrive in a digital, interactive world.

Learning Goals

To understand the foundation principles of network theoryas our main text puts it, thenext scientific revolution: the new science of networks.

To explore the relevance of networks to journalism, journalists, media companies, newsorganizations and media audiences.

To understand how new network-driven technologieshyperlinked content and onlinecommunicationare changing the way people relate to one another and find relevantcontent.

To apply your understanding of networks to media and journalism.Course Requirements and Grading

Midterm exam (25%): The exam will be administered in class on Feb. 3 (week 5). It willtest your understanding of, and ability to apply, the most significant aspects of network

theory.

Networked content sharing (15%): To build a learning community among members of theclass, we will be using online network-based tools (an RSS reader such as Google Reader

and a Facebook group) to share interesting news stories, blog posts, etc., related to networks.

Starting after the second class, you will be expected to submit at least two articles/posts perweek and to comment on at least one. (Well give you instructions on this.) Meeting this


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Course Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: Because this is a new course and we want to allow for mid-course

corrections, we have not listed reading assignments on the syllabus. Readings and otherassignments for each week will be posted on the class Blackboard site under Assignments.

JAN. 6: The networked view of the world: course introduction JAN. 13: Social networks I: Individual properties JAN. 20: Social networks II: Global properties JAN. 27: Information networks: the hyperlink revolution FEB. 3: Search engine optimization (after exam: guest speaker Brent D. Payne from Tribune

Co.)

MIDTERM EXAM IN CLASS FEB. 10: Influencers and the spread of information FEB. 17: Social media and the new ecosystem for content FEB. 24: Digital communities and geographic communities MAR. 3: Online communities and digital identity MAR. 10: Blockbusters, the long tail and echo chambers Monday, March 15, noon: FINAL PAPER DUE (submit electronic copy to the Digital

Drop Box on Blackboard)

Staff & Office HoursProf. Gordon and Prof. Contractor will be happy to meet with students by appointment (contact

them by email and suggest a few good days or times). Brian Keegan will be the teaching

assistant for the course and will hold regular office hours from 11:30am - 1:30pm Fridays in

Francis Searle Room 2-168.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to comply with Northwesterns principles of academic integrity, which arelisted athttp://www.northwestern.edu/uacc/uniprin.html . Academic dishonesty includes, but is

not limited to, cheating on an exam (e.g., copying others answers, providing information toothers, using a crib sheet) and plagiarism on a paper (e.g., taking material from readings without

citation, copying another students paper). In particular, please note that submitting identical orsimilar papers for credit in more than one course without prior permission from the course

instructors is defined as cheating.

Failure to maintain academic integrity on an assignment will result in loss of credit for that

assignmentat a minimum. Other penalties also may apply. If you are in doubt about what

constitutes academic dishonesty, speak with either faculty member before an assignment is due.
http://www.northwestern.edu/uacc/uniprin.htmlhttp://www.northwestern.edu/uacc/uniprin.htmlhttp://www.northwestern.edu/uacc/uniprin.htmlhttp://www.northwestern.edu/uacc/uniprin.html


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All students enrolled in this class, whether from Medill or another school, are also responsible

for knowing and following Medills academic integrity code, which applies to all students taking

Medill courses:http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/students/students.aspx?id=60573

Among other provisions, this code requires that you report other students violations of academicintegrity that you become aware of.

Students with Disabilities

If you require appropriate academic accommodations as a result of any disability, please make

any requests during the first week of the quarter. You are urged to register with Services forStudents with Disabilities (SSD) for disability verification and for determination of reasonable

academic accommodations. For more information, visithttp://www.northwestern.edu/disability/.All discussions will remain confidential.
http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/students/students.aspx?id=60573http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/students/students.aspx?id=60573http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/students/students.aspx?id=60573http://www.northwestern.edu/disability/http://www.northwestern.edu/disability/http://www.northwestern.edu/disability/http://www.northwestern.edu/disability/http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/students/students.aspx?id=60573

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