IS418      Half Unit
Social Computing, Data and Information Services

This information is for the 2014/15 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Jannis Kallinikos NAB3.24

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and Fudan), MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and USC), MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation, MSc in Media and Communications, MSc in Media and Communications (Media and Communications Governance) and MSc in Media and Communications (Research). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Course content

The course provides an overview of the theories and models associated with the diffusion of the internet, media convergence and the development of large cross-corporate communication infrastructures. An essential aim of the course is to advance the understanding of the background developments against which information has increasingly emerged as carrier of new economic ventures and a crucial means for developing new organizational and business offerings. The course also aims to provide an account of alternative models of producing and distributing services (for example, open source software, wikipedia) that do not any more need to rely on the mediating role which markets have normally assumed. These models both contrast and complement market-mediated ventures.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 9 hours of seminars in the LT. 1 hour of lectures in the ST.

Formative coursework

Classes are based around reading and discussing selected journal articles from the course study pack. Written formative feedback is provided on weekly class preparation and participation. There is a mock examination.

Indicative reading

1. Benkler, Y. (2006) The Wealth of Networks: How Social Production Transforms Markets and Freedom. New Haven: Yale University Press also available as open access in www.benkler.com

2. Carr, N. G. (2008) The Big Switch: Rewiring the World: From Edison to Google. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.

3. Dreyfus, H. (2001) On the Internet. London: Routledge.

4. Kallinikos, J. (2006) The Consequences of Information: Institutional Implications of Technological Change. Cheltenham: Elgar.

5. Morville, P. (2005) Ambient Findability. Cambridge: O'Reilly

6. Weinberger, D. (2007) Everything Is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder. New York: Times Books.

7. Study pack with journal articles, book chapters and web publications

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.

Key facts

Department: Information Systems and Innovation Group

Total students 2013/14: 29

Average class size 2013/14: 14

Controlled access 2013/14: No

Lecture capture used 2013/14: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Commercial awareness

Course survey results

(2010/11, 2012/13 combined)

1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" score

The scores below are average responses.

Response rate: %

Question

Average
response

Reading list (Q2.1)

1.3

Materials (Q2.3)

1.5

Course satisfied (Q2.4)

1.4

Lectures (Q2.5)

1.4

Integration (Q2.6)

1.4

Contact (Q2.7)

1.7

Feedback (Q2.8)

1.8

Recommend (Q2.9)

Yes

85%

Maybe

15%

No

0%