Sociology 460 is a three-credit, senior-level university course that is designed to encourage critical thinking vis-à-vis information technology. This course is designed to increase your understanding of technology, information technology, and the impact technology has on your life and our world.
Outline
Unit 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Theories of Information Technology
Unit 3: Information Technology and Work
Unit 4: Surveillance, the Panopticon, Facebook, Social Media, and the Mercers
Unit 5: The Deepening Divide
Unit 6: The Religion of Technology
Unit 7: Conclusion
Evaluation
To receive credit for this course you must obtain a grade of at least 50 percent on the final assignment and an overall course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Unit 2 Assignment
10%
Unit 3 Assignment
10%
Unit 4 Assignment
10%
Unit 5 Assignment
10%
Unit 6 Assignment
10%
Unit 7 Assignment
10%
Quizlet Exam
10%
Final Assignment
30%
Total
100%
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Materials
van Dijk, J. A. G. M. (2005). The deepening divide: Inequality in the information society. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (eText)
Clark, A. C. (1990/1953). Childhood’s end. New York: Del Rey. (Print)
Noble, D. F. (1999). The religion of technology: The divinity of man and the spirit of invention. New York: Penguin. (Print)
Webster, F. (2014). Theories of the information society (4th ed.). London and New York: Routledge. (Print)
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 3, May 3, 2019
Updated July 15, 2021, by Student & Academic Services