M2R Final Due Date: Fri, May 18th at 11:45PM.(Canada time)

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), in particular the last sentence that is italicized. 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.

Important Notes:

• The 'tone' is academic and more 'formal'; avoid first person, watch your vocabulary - do not be conversational, do not use contractions.
• Do not provide descriptive opinions and speculations, make succinct arguments that are supported by research and literature.
• You are required to stay within the minimum and maximum word count, or you will be penalized .5 (half a mark).
• Double space your submission. Please pay attention to your writing style: grammar and punctuation matter. Have someone proofread your work. Your responses must have an introduction, body/discussion, and conclusion. Response submissions should not be one paragraph. No need for title pages, or running header this assignment.
• Your M2R response must include at least two pieces of support or evidence from of the module two readings. Castells (2005) must be included (cited/reference list), but is not counted as part of your support/evidence. You can absolutely use more sources/evidence after the minimum has been met.
• Properly cite and reference any readings that you use in APA format. Submissions that do not cite and reference 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.
• Do not use any direct quotes in your module submissions - do not include any part of the quote from the assignment in your submission. Instead, rephrase and cite properly. You will be penalized .5 (half a mark) if you use direct quotes. Paraphrase and cite properly (this is a learned skill).
• Please name your M2R file properly with course number, last name, and assignment name. For example: 2F00FirstLastNameM2R.doc

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.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.

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. https://bit.ly/2Hpiad1

Vaterlaus J.M, Barnett, K., Roche, C. & J. A. Young. (2016). 'Snapchat is more personal': An exploratory study on Snapchat behaviors and young adult interpersonal relationships. Computers in Human Behavior, 62: 594-601. https://bit.ly/2Hfcqy0

Charteris, J., Gregory, S. & Y. Masters (2014). "Snapchat ‘selfies’: The case of disappearing data." In B. Hegarty, J. McDonald, & S.K. Loke (Eds.) Rhetoric and Reality: Critical Perspectives on Educational Technology. Proceedings ascilite Dunedin 2014 (pp. 389-393). https://bit.ly/2vzM2Og

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 Zizi Papacharissi; pp. 39-58. http://bit.ly/1MXviQI *Please note, danah boyd does not capitalize her name.

Wellman, B. (2016). "The Network Revolutions Are (Mostly) Good News." International Sociology Association - The Futures We Want. https://bit.ly/2JiRQ0F