Course description
Social media have become key components of the digital media environment by offering people opportunities to produce, share, and interpret content, as well as to interact with one another. Journalists are among those who have taken advantage of such opportunities, expanding journalism beyond traditional media outlets and designated news websites. This course focuses on what journalists and other users do on social media. We will learn concepts and issues related to social media and will gain practice with social media storytelling.
After learning what constitutes social media and how they have developed, we will identify and explain shifting norms and practices of journalism, user engagement with the news, and disinformation and misinformation in the digital media environment. The course will also offer insight into politics and social media, social movements and protests, and dark sides of social media, such as harassment. On the practical side, we will learn how to craft posts for different platforms and how to engage with users. We will also create videos for social platforms. The course allows you to pursue your interests and to develop knowledge and skills that will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the evolving digital landscape.
The course sessions will consist of lectures, class discussions, and group discussions/assignments. Class discussions will be based on the lectures, as well as on questions and examples you submit (see under Assignments). In addition, you and your peers will be divided into groups and be given group assignments in class.
For example, in a session on shifting norms and practices of journalism, groups may be asked to identify and assess different expression styles that news organizations use in their social media posts. Groups will share with the class highlights of what they have done. Resources will be available online or assigned by the instructor.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify and understand key norms, procedures, and processes concerning the production, distribution, and usage of news-related messages on social media
- Identify and understand impacts and implications of social media on journalism and society
- Apply social media tools and practices in storytelling and engagement with users
- Analyze and critique activity of journalists or other actors (e.g., politicians or activists) on social media
- Recognize the importance of cultural or national context in understanding the use of digital platforms