MR2 Final Due Date: Fri, Nov 3rd 11:45PM. No Exceptions.
Worth: 5%
Minimum Word Count: 600 words Maximum Word Count: 700 words
In The Network Society, Castells (2005) writes:
The network society is also manifested in the transformation of
sociability. Yet, what we observe is not the fading away of face-to-face
interaction or the increasing isolation of people in front of their
computers. We know, from studies in different societies, that in most
instances Internet users are more social, have more friends and
contacts, and are more socially and politically active than non users.
Moreover, the more they use the Internet, the more they also engage in
face-to-face interaction in all domains of their lives. Similarly, new
forms of wireless communication, from mobile phone voice
communication to SMSs, WiFi and WiMax, substantially increase
sociability, particularly for the younger groups of the population. The
network society is a hypersocial society, not a society of isolation (p.
11).
Provide a thoughtful and analytical response to the above quote (do not include any part of the
quote in your response). You may maintain or challenge Castells’ (2005) argument, but either
way, you must provide two pieces of support and evidence from the module two readings
(beyond Castells) within your response. Be sure to use evidence in a way that moves your
analysis beyond descriptive opinions. The ‘tone’ of part two is academic and more ‘formal’.
Important Notes:
• You are required to stay within the minimum and maximum word count, or you will be
penalized .5 (half a mark).
• Please pay attention to your writing style – grammar and punctuation matter. Have someone
proofread your work. Your responses should have an introduction, body/discussion, and
conclusion. Response submissions should not be one paragraph.
• Your M2R response must include at least two pieces of support or evidence from of the
module two readings (optional readings can be included). Castells (2005) must be included
(cited/reference list), but is not counted as part of your support/evidence.
• Properly cite any readings that you use. Reference list is not included in the word count.
• Submissions that do not cite material properly will not be accepted and will result in a zero.
This means, if nothing is cited in your submission – it will not be accepted. It is the student’s
responsibility to ensure they are meeting university standards for academic writing,
regardless of what your home department is.
• Use APA format for citing the readings and for your reference list – no need for title
pages, or running header this assignment.
• Do not use any direct quotes in your module submissions. Instead, rephrase and cite
properly. You will be penalized .5 (half a mark) if you use direct quotes. Paraphrase and cite
properly.
• Please name your M2R file properly with course number, last name, and assignment name.
For example: 2F00FirstLastNameM2R.doc
How to submit this assignment:
• Go to Assignments on Sakai.
• Click M2R and and click ‘Add Attachments’. The file must be a .doc file, or a .pdf file.
(Note: If you are using a Mac, you can convert a Pages document into a word .doc file by
going to the menu bar and choosing: ‘File’ – ‘Export’– ‘Word’).
• Files that cannot open and/or incorrect files will receive a grade of 0.
• We will not be tracking down assignments: you must submit properly, on-time.
• Check and double check to ensure that the file is attached and is the correct file. After
submitting, definitely review your submission so you can see/confirm the file.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that you have uploaded your file into Sakai. You have a
maximum of five re-submission attempts BEFORE the deadline passes.
• Late assignments are not accepted and will receive a grade of 0.
• Assignments sent via e-mail will receive a grade of 0.
• Do not wait until the last ten minutes to submit your module response.
• Technological issues (ie my laptop froze at 11:44pm) are not grounds for extensions. You
MUST have the appropriate (and reliable) technology to take this course.
M2R Grading Rubric
The M2R Grading Rubric is included here in order to help you formulate your submission.
Does the response:
-take a clear position of support or challenge to Castells’ (2005) argument
-offers thoughtful analysis instead of descriptive opinion
-provide support/evidence of their stance from two of the assigned module two readings (not
including Castells 2005)
-present discussion in an academic/formal manner
Does the submission:
-cite sources properly according to APA format.
-provide a properly APA formatted reference list of cited sources.
-flow well organizationally with clear writing style & proper tone; introduction, body with
supporting evidence, and conclusion.
-present discussion free of typos, and free of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and paragraph
structure errors.
Framework of Grading
Incomplete 50s D
Submission is missing key components of the assignment guidelines.
Inaccuracies 60s C
Submission does not follow assignment guidelines or requirements.
Needs Work 70s B
Submission mostly follows requirements, but has areas that need improvement (ie depth of
analysis).
Meets Criteria 80s A
Submission follows guidelines and meets all assignment requirements in a coherent way.
Exceeds Expectations 90 A+
Submission reflects a level of analysis that goes beyond what is expected at a second year course
level.
M2: Networks & Networking
Mon, Oct 2nd – Fri, Nov 3rd
*Reading Week Oct 9th-13th
Required Readings:
Castells, M. (2005). “The Network Society: From Knowledge to Policy.” The Network Society: From Knowledge to Policy. Eds Manuel Castells & Gustavo Cardoso; pgs 3 – 21. http://bit.ly/xg3rlN
boyd, d. & Ellison, N. (2007). “Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship.” Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13 (1), article 11. http://bit.ly/18koskR
boyd, d. (2010). “Social Network Sites as Networked Publics: Affordances, Dynamics, and Implications.” In Networked Self: Identity, Community, and Culture on Social Network Sites. Ed ZiziPapacharissi; pp. 39-58. http://bit.ly/1MXviQI
Ellison, N., Steinfield, C. & C. Lampe. (2007). “The Benefits of Facebook “Friends”: Social Capital and College Students’ Use of Online Social Network Sites”, Journal of Computer Mediated Communication, Vol 12, No 4, pp. 1143-1168. http://bit.ly/1jXmeNm
*Please note, danahboyd does not capitalize her name.
Optional Readings:
Mansell, R. (2010). “The life and times of the Information Society”, Prometheus, Vol 28 (2), pg. 165-186. http://bit.ly/15oej7I
Gillmore, D. (2008 ). Principles for a New Media Literacy. Media Re-Public. The Berkman Center for Internet & Society. http://bit.ly/1fR2MDw
Kennedy, T., Wellman, B. & J. Amoroso. (2011). “Can You Take It With You? Mobility, ICTs and Work-Life Balance”. Mobile Communication: Dimensions of Social Policy. Ed James E. Katz, Piscataway. NJ: Transaction Publishers. http://bit.ly/1AqbJtl
