KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE PROPOSAL OR REVISION,
Cover Sheet (10/02/2002)
Course Number/Program Name COM 5100 Social Media Theory and Concepts
Department Communication
Degree Title (if applicable) Graduate Certificate in Digital and Social Media
Proposed Effective Date Spring 2014
Check one or more of the following and complete the appropriate sections:
X New Course Proposal
Course Title Change
Course Number Change
Course Credit Change
Course Prerequisite Change
Course Description Change
Sections to be Completed
II, III, IV, V, VII
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
Notes:
If proposed changes to an existing course are substantial (credit hours, title, and description), a new course with a
new number should be proposed.
A new Course Proposal (Sections II, III, IV, V, VII) is required for each new course proposed as part of a new
program. Current catalog information (Section I) is required for each existing course incorporated into the
program.
Minor changes to a course can use the simplified E-Z Course Change Form.
Submitted by:
Faculty Member
Approved
_____
Date
Not Approved
Department Curriculum Committee Date
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Not Approved
Department Chair
Date
College Curriculum Committee
Date
College Dean
Date
GPCC Chair
Date
Dean, Graduate College
Date
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Vice President for Academic Affairs Date
Approved
Not Approved
President
Date
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE/CONCENTRATION/PROGRAM CHANGE
I.
Current Information (Fill in for changes)
Page Number in Current Catalog
___
Course Prefix and Number
___
Course Title
___
Class Hours
____Laboratory Hours_______Credit Hours________
Prerequisites
___
Description (or Current Degree Requirements)
II.
Proposed Information (Fill in for changes and new courses)
Course Prefix and Number ________COM 5100__________________
Course Title ____Social Media Theory and Concepts______
Class Hours
_3___Laboratory Hours______0_CreditHours____3____
Prerequisites Acceptance to KSU graduate-student status
Description (or Proposed Degree Requirements)
This course examines theory and concepts relevant to social media. Along with emerging
digital and social media theory, this course also explores the connection between
foundations of media and communication as they apply to current situations, techniques,
and trends. Students produce graduate-level research that expands the scholarly
discourse in this area.
III.
Justification
Social media has become integral to the day-to-day functions for communication and
media professionals, and many are looking to expand their knowledge in the area. A
recent New York Times article highlighted the number of professionals who have
returned to university seeking more education in social media. While many have a basic
familiarity with social media applications and platforms such as Twitter and Facebook,
understanding the theory and concepts is key to effective implementation and program
management. This course will also provide a scholarly foundation social media for
students pursuing graduate studies.
Our Topics in Public Relations: Social Media for Public Relations course has filled every
semester since its development in Spring 2012, demonstrating the interest for more
coursework in this area.
IV.
Additional Information (for New Courses only)
Instructor: Amber Hutchins, Ph.D.
Text: Spreadable Media: Creating Value and Meaning in a Networked Culture,
2013, by Henry Jenkins, Sam Ford and Joshua Green. ISBN 9780814743508. Additional readings will be posted online.
Prerequisites: Admission to KSU graduate program.
Objectives: Students will be able to:
 Identify theories and concepts related to social media.
 Analyze the role of social media as part of strategic communication efforts.
 Analyze techniques, trends and current issues in digital and social media.
 Examine connections between current issues and existing communication scholarship
and theory.
 Produce graduate-level research that adds to the scholarly discourse in this area.
Instructional Method
This course is designed for online delivery.
Method of Evaluation
Students will be evaluated through assignments, discussion leadership and
participation, and a final research paper. The course will be evaluated
through observations, student evaluations and other feedback.
V.
Resources and Funding Required (New Courses only)
Resource
Amount
Faculty
Other Personnel
Equipment
Supplies
Travel
Learning
New Books
New Journals
Other (Specify)
existing resources
existing resources
existing Distance Learning support
existing Distance Learning support
Some training might be requested through Distance
See above
See above
N/A
TOTAL
Funding Required Beyond
Normal Departmental Growth No additional funds are necessary at this time. Current
resources will be utilized.
VI. COURSE MASTER FORM
This form will be completed by the requesting department and will be sent to the Office of the
Registrar once the course has been approved by the Office of the President.
The form is required for all new courses.
DISCIPLINE
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE FOR LABEL
(Note: Limit 30 spaces)
CLASS-LAB-CREDIT HOURS
Approval, Effective Term
Grades Allowed (Regular or S/U)
If course used to satisfy CPC, what areas?
Learning Support Programs courses which are
required as prerequisites
COM
5100
Social Media Theory & Concepts
3-0-3
Spring 2014
Regular
APPROVED:
________________________________________________
Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee __
VII Attach Syllabus
COM 5100: Social Media Theory and Concepts
Spring 2014
Dr. Amber Hutchins
Office: SO 5092 Office Phone: 770-794-7749
Office Hours: I am available via Skype or Google + for “virtual” meetings,
Email: ahutch13@kennesaw.edu (Email is the best way to reach me. Please use email instead of social media
channels for “official” questions about class and assignments.)
Course Description
This course examines theory and concepts relevant to social media. Along with emerging digital and social media
theory, this course also explores the connection between foundations of media and communication as they apply
to current situations, techniques, and trends. Students produce graduate-level research that expands the scholarly
discourse in this area.
Class Format
This is an online course. Each week, students can expect reading assignments, discussions, and lecture (video,
podcast, or text). Additional required course content and activities might include guest speakers and use of social
media platforms for class discussion.
Students will be expected to select course content, lead class discussion, and participate in the scholarly
and professional community via blogs other social media platforms. Final paper should be suitable for conference
presentation or publication.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:





Understand theories and concepts related to social media.
Understand social media as part of strategic communication efforts.
Analyze techniques, trends and current issues in digital and social media.
Understand connections between current issues and existing communication
scholarship and theory.
Produce graduate-level research that adds to the scholarly discourse in this area.
Text: Spreadable Media: Creating Value and Meaning in a Networked Culture, 2013, by Henry Jenkins, Sam Ford
and Joshua Green. ISBN 978-0814743508. Additional readings will be posted online.
Graded Coursework
15% Discussion: Engagement in weekly class discussion.
15% Discussion Leadership: Students will select a reading assignment and lead discussion on the week’s topic.
40% Analysis Blogs: Four blog posts that explore current issues in social media.
30% Final Research Paper: Graduate-level research paper, suitable for conference presentation or publication.
Grade includes meeting checkpoint deadlines (proposal and literature review).
Grading Policy
Course Grading Scale (Grades will not be rounded up).
A = 90-100%
Grade Quality
B = 80-89.99%
Expectations
C=70-79.99%
D=60-69.99%
F=Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Exceptional
Excellent content, free of typos and errors, ready to send to the
media/client. Thorough understanding of the assignment. Excellent
critical thinking, analysis, and commitment to scholarship.
Good
Above average work. Demonstrates understanding of the assignment,
minor errors.
Satisfactory
Meets minimum requirements. Needs improvement in content,
mechanics. Some errors.
Poor
Shows little understanding or interest in the assignment, multiple or
major errors, incomplete.
Unacceptable Missing or substantially incomplete, plagiarism, lacks substance or
value, does not meet most or all minimum requirements, multiple or
major errors.
Class Policies and Expectations
Failure to adhere to these policies and expectations can result in reduction of overall course grade without prior
notification, or dismissal from class.
Course Agreement: By completing the Course Agreement, you attest that you have thoroughly read the complete
Course Syllabus, understand it, and agree to abide by and comply with it and with all policies and procedures
stated therein. Please fill out and submit the course agreement by the deadline posted on the schedule. For
each week that the agreement is not turned in, 10% will be deducted from your final grade.
Professional Behavior: Students are expected to actively contribute, as partners, to the success of the class. As a
member of a scholarly community, be prepared to take responsibility for your own learning experience. This class
simulates a professional environment and you are expected to act accordingly. In dealing with clients and guests,
you are acting as a representative for Kennesaw State University (and me). I expect you to treat your classmates,
instructor, and guests with respect and courtesy. Do not wait until assignment deadlines or the end of the
semester to discuss questions, concerns, and goals for the class.
Scholarship: Take responsibility for your success in the class and for your own scholarship. Commit to making a
significant investment in your development as a scholar by pursuing challenging work.
Email Policy: Please DO NOT use D2L email. Instead, please use my KSU email account
ahutch13@kennesaw.edu. Email is the best way to reach me. You should treat email to the professor as
professional communication. Messages should be addressed to Dr. Hutchins, Professor Hutchins, or Dr. H, and
have an appropriate tone. I will not respond to improperly composed or inappropriate email. I will respond to your
email as quickly as possible, but please allow 48 hours (I might not have access to email on weekends—please
plan accordingly to get a response before an assignment deadline).
Official Communication and Social Media: Email, office phone, and D2L are considered “official” communication
for the course. I am happy to connect with you via Twitter for discussion about topics relevant to course content,
but please do not use Twitter or other social media channels for questions about the class and assignments. Social
media is convenient, but not reliable. Although social media operates on a 24-hour cycle, I cannot offer “on
demand” contact via social media, so please plan accordingly.
Desire 2 Learn (D2L): D2L is the “hub” for the class. You can access the syllabus and other course materials via
D2L, so please check the site. If you can’t find something that should be on D2L, please ask, but technical
questions should be directed to Student ITS. Please make sure that assignments upload in the proper format
(Word Doc or PDF).
University Policies
Re-enrollment Policy: After taking or attempting an undergraduate course for the second time, students will not
be allowed to re-enroll in that class without the permission of the department chair. This enrollment limitation is in
place regardless of previous grades, including grades of “W or “WF”. It is the sole discretion of the department
chair/designee to decide if and when a student will be allowed to enroll in a class that they have taken/attempted
twice.
Academic Honesty: Kennesaw State University and the Department of Communication are committed to the
highest standards of academic and professional ethics. We expect our students to adhere to those standards.
Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic
community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed,
and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest independent of whether or
not the effort is successful. See Student Handbook for details. Note: “Double-dipping” or turning in the same
work for two classes is not permitted.
Students With Disabilities: Kennesaw State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the
admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities. This statute guarantees
equal opportunity for this protected group in the areas of public accommodations, employment, transportation,
state and local government services and telecommunications. If you have a visible or invisible disability and will
require academic accommodations in this course, I would be happy to discuss your needs. Accommodations are
coordinated through Disabled Student Support Services. Please contact Carol Pope at cpope@kennesaw.edu or
call 770-423-6443. Please note that instructors cannot accommodate students with disabilities if we are not
appropriately notified early in the semester
FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student
education records once the student has reached 18 years of age (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). Under that
law we cannot release your student ID number, grades, performance evaluations, or any other personal or
academic information to anyone but you, unless you provide written permission to do so. Also, I cannot discuss
grades with you or anyone else over unsecured lines such as email or phone.
Course Schedule
WEEK
Introduction
1
Topic
Welcome! Introduction and
syllabus.
2
Communication Theory and
“New” Media
Social Media and Society
3
Ethical Considerations
Assignments
Please review course
syllabus and schedule.
Complete “Course Tour.”
Post your introduction in
the discussion board.
Assigned Readings
Assigned Readings
DUE: Blog 1: “Old” Theory
and “New” Media
Assigned Readings
4
5
6
Identity & Privacy
DUE: Research proposal
Research Conferences
View: “We Live in Public”
(see D2L for access details)
Schedule a conference with
Dr. Hutchins to discuss your
research project.
Web 2.0
Post your research proposal
in discussion board for peer
feedback.
DUE: Blog 2, Topic TBA
Assigned Readings
7
8
9
Collective Intelligence
Visual Storytelling
Converged and Mobile
Media
Assigned Readings
Due: Literature Review
Guest Speaker: Dr. Karen
Freberg, University of
Louisville
DUE: Blog 3, Topic TBA
View: “#whilewewatch”
(link available via D2L)
10
Transmedia
Assigned Readings
11
Gamification
12
Activism and Slactivism
13
Crowdsourcing and
Curation
14
15
Communities & Online
Fandom
Futurism
16
Course Reflections
Assigned Readings
DUE: Blog 4, Topic TBA
Guest speaker: Noah
Echolls, slacktivism scholar
Guest Speaker: Dr. Daren
Brabham, author of
Crowdsourcing
Assigned Readings
Assigned Readings
DUE: Research Paper