Social Media: Digital Identity & the Virtual Community

Digital media and networked audiences have deeply changed the way we interact and communicate with others. This course focuses on the changing social media landscape in terms of online expression, social networking, identity management, community building, and citizen journalism, while enabling students to experiment and reflect on how these practices impact self and community.

The course requires active participation of students and a willingness to immerse themselves in social media practices, as much of the class discussion and activity takes place in social cyberspaces. After completing the course, students will be able not only to reflect on the impact of social media in their daily lives, but also to tackle both the opportunities and the challenges presented ahead in terms of communication, community building, and personal branding.

*This course is cross-listed as COM 351.