This course examines the notion of community within cultural heritage institutions and the larger framework of cultural informatics. Particular emphasis is placed on social media as a tool for communication, engagement, and action. Topics include communities and digital commons, user studies, diverse populations, media studies, digital identity, social networks, information ecologies, social media adoption and use, community building, social advocacy and activism, and technology in the service of democracy.

Community Building and Engagement (Summer I 2013)

Assignments

• Participation (10%)
• Twitter discussion (30%)
• Case study (40% final report, 20% weekly discussion)

Topics

1. Users, Communities, and Technology
2. Research Methods & Ethics
3. Online/Offline Communities
4. Research Conferences
5. Research Day
6. Community Informatics
7. Social Media 1
8. Social Media 2
9. Civic Engagement & Political Action
10. Case Study Workshop