INC301 - The Tangled Web: Enabling Connections and Facilitating Discord

Subject Title
The Tangled Web: Enabling Connections and Facilitating Discord

Subject Description
From the Internet of people to the internet of things ? the world wide web is a tangled system of connections and disconnections.  It provides endless opportunities for learning and sharing information, enables ways to communicate and connect and empowers individuals and communities to work together for individual, mutual and social good.   It is also used to intentionally manipulate fact and reality, incite violence and promote hatred.  The communities and tools that connect us are also a threat to our privacy and security and are used to spread misinformation and cause distrust.  While building digital skills, this course explores the potential benefits and challenges of our hyperconnected lives and examines the threats as well as the opportunities that the world wide web enables.

Credit Status
Professional optional course credit for students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program; also a Liberal Studies Option (LSO) for Seneca degree students.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

• Reflect on our relationships with networked spaces, services and objects and the ways in which they knowingly and unknowingly affect our perceptions, condition the choices we make and shapes our experiences
• Analyze ways in which information and misinformation is spread across the web enabling connections, facilitating discord and influencing our daily lives and world view
• Evaluate the benefits and challenges of the ever-expanding web of internet connected devices on our societies, our psyches and our identities
• Examine the ways in which online actions affect individuals, groups and entire communities, in both digital and physical spaces
• Debate the ethical and responsible use of technology tools and online spaces
• Discuss societal issues that have emerged in the digital world and the challenges and benefits that these present

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.