The minor in social informatics focuses on helping students understand the social influences on and social consequences of information and communication technologies. With the increasing use of cell phones, PDAs, personal computers and other associated technology, it is important to understand how to shape that use to the greatest social benefit. In addition, students trained to become the designers and managers of this technology need to learn how to approach their design and management activities from a social systems perspective. This minor is especially beneficial for students whose career paths will emphasize technology design and management. All students are required to demonstrate basic and specialized computer literacy.
Requirements for the Undergraduate Minor in Social Informatics
The undergraduate minor of 21 hours must include the following:
SOC 2010 Sociology of the Internet, 3 hours
SOC 4210 Community Informatics, 3 hours
SOC 4220 Theories of the Information Society, 3 hours
SOC 4230 Internship in Community Information Technology, 3-6 hours
SOC 4580 Science, Technology and Social Change, 3 hours
3-6 additional elective hours of sociology or other courses, with adviser approval
Students should discuss their personal and professional interests with the undergraduate adviser before selecting elective courses to complete the major.
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