BC 360: Communication Technologies

Overview

This course begins with an overview of the various dimensions of IT convergence and illustrates their meaning through a detailed look at the Internet. We then broaden our scope to the whole range of new communication technologies and examine the implications of convergence for communication technology users at several levels: individual, group, organization, economy, and society. We will also analyze the public policy issues associated with the emerging communication technology infrastructure.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and define the characteristics of information technology convergence and explain the implications of convergence at the individual, group, and corporate levels.
• Explain the social, economic, and policy components of the Internet phenomenon.
• Explain the macro-economic, societal, and policy impacts of convergence.
• Address key obstacles to taking full advantage of the benefits of information technology convergence.

Required Texts
BC 360 texts are available from the JIU/MBS bookstore