IME 6640 Public Opinion through New Media
With the advent of virtual communities, smart mobs, and online social networks, old questions about the meaning of human social behavior have taken on renewed significance. Although this course is grounded in theory, it is equally rooted in practice, and much of the class discussion takes place in social cyberspaces. This course requires active participation of students and a willingness to immerse in social media practices-mailing lists, web forums, blogs, wikis, chat, instant messaging, virtual worlds-for a part of every weekday during the semester.
Goal
Learn theories for understanding how public opinion develops, how interactive media can be used to further public opinion in a democratic society, and what role the media play in the process.