Algorithms, Society and Communication

Course Code:

COMM 204

Course Type:

Elective

P:

3

Lab:

0

Credits:

3

ECTS:

5

Course Language:

English

Course Coordinator:

Elif KARAKOÇ KESKİN

Courses given by:

Elif KARAKOÇ KESKİN

Course Objectives:

The aim of the course is to enable students to recognize the social factors that affect and are affected by algorithms in the current digital communication environment, to gain awareness of the guiding role of algorithms within the scope of these factors and to develop a critical perspective in the light of this gain. The course aims to provide knowledge and skills for human-centered, responsible and ethical use of algorithmic technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Course Content:

The course focuses on the widespread use of algorithms on digital platforms and their transformative context that affects the structure of the social order shifting towards communication and media. In this respect, the course aims to understand the data-driven functioning of the media, which makes it possible to analyze the complex structure between digital technologies and society caused by algorithms and to gain critical literacy skills in the light of current technologies.

Course Methodology:

1: Lecture, 6: Case Study, 12: Groupwork, 15: Assignment, 16: Oral Exam

Course Evaluation Methods:

A: Testing B: Presentation/Oral Exam C: Homework

Vertical Tabs

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes	Programme Learning Outcomes	Teaching Methods	Assessment Methods
1) Students will have the theoretical knowledge to interpret the relationship between algorithmic systems and society in the context of digital media.	1, 5	1,6	B, C
2) Students will be able to identify behavioral data and interactions that train algorithms.	1, 5, 7	1, 6	B, C
3) Students will gain a critical perspective on the risks posed by the use of algorithms in various media fields.	1, 2, 5, 7, 8	1, 12, 15	A, B, C
4) Students will be able to analyze and critically evaluate the individual and societal sustaining models of algorithmic systems in the context of the working principles of algorithms.	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9	1, 6, 12, 15, 16	A, B, C
5) Students define the necessity of ethical, responsible and human-centered algorithmic systems.	7, 9	1, 6, 15, 16	B, C

Course Flow

COURSE CONTENT
Week	Topics	Study Materials
1	Introduction
2	Definition of algorithms and encounters with algorithms in daily life
3	Historical trace of human-algorithm interaction within the scope of technological developments
4	Introduction to platform ecosystem, data and algorithms in the digital world
5	Internet experience in the platform ecosystem with algorithms and users' behavioral data relationality
6	Algorithms and personalized applications (recommendation systems) with examples from various digital platforms
7	The workings of platform capitalism and commoditized data
8	Midterm
9	Data surveillance and the construction of algorithmic consent
10	Transparent, explainable, accountable, equitable algorithmic systems
11	Imagined affordance in internet experience and the development of the algorithmic paradox
12	Algorithmic expectation, algorithmic awareness and algorithm literacy
13	Various projects and initiatives for algorithm literacy and artificial intelligence literacy around the world
14	Ethical practices in the use of artificial intelligence
15	Course review
16	Final

Recommended Sources

RECOMMENDED SOURCES

Textbook

- Schumann, C., & Taddicken, M. (Eds.). 2021. Algorithms and Communication, Digital Communication Research, Berlin.

Additional Resources

- Bucher, T. 2018. If...Then: Algorithmic Power and Politics, New York, Oxford University Press.

- Pasquale, F. 2015. The Black Box Society: The Secret Algorithms that Control Money and Information, Massachusetts, Harvard University Press.

- O’Neil, C. 2016. Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy, New York, Crown Publishing Group.

- Kuş, O. (Der.). 2022. Algoritmaların Gölgesinde Toplum ve İletişim, Alternatif Bilişim.

Material Sharing

MATERIAL SHARING
Documents
Assignments
Exams

Assessment

ASSESSMENT
IN-TERM STUDIES	NUMBER	PERCENTAGE
Midterm	1	30
Homework	1	10
Final	1	60
Total		100
CONTRIBUTION OF FINAL EXAMINATION TO OVERALL GRADE		60
CONTRIBUTION OF IN-TERM STUDIES TO OVERALL GRADE		40
Total		100

Course’s Contribution to Program

COURSE'S CONTRIBUTION TO PROGRAMME
No	Program Learning Outcomes	Contribution
No	Program Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
1	Defines basic concepts, theories, methods, and domains of study specific to radio, television and cinema by associating them with the findings and theories of humanities and social sciences.		X
2	Demonstrates the responsibilities, effective participation, coordination, and planning skills essential for harmonious and efficient teamwork in the production processes relative to the radio, television and cinema fields.
3	Generates media products in accordance with professional standards in various narrative forms and genres specific to the field by synthesizing up-to-date knowledge and skills for expertise acquired through applied and theoretical courses.
4	Manifests professional knowledge and such skills as copywriting, image management, editing, sound design, producing and directing, media management in different fields of radio, television and cinema locally and globally.
5	Holds responsibility in broadcasting by integrating national and international rules of law that media professionals should pursue with professional ethical principles.				X
6	Comprehends the knowledge and skills related to institutional operation and management in the production and broadcasting processes of radio, television and cinema for the common interest.
7	Evaluates radio, television and cinema fields analytically and critically from their institutional structuring to products regarding a wide range of cultural, artistic, economic, and social relations.				X
8	Has the ability to collect visual, audio and written data, conduct research, evaluate, report and offer creative solutions in the fields of radio, television and cinema.					X
9	Develops original projects for radio, television and cinema by following new technologies, developments, and ideas in the fields of art, culture, and media at the national and global planes.	X

ECTS

ECTS ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD BY THE COURSE DESCRIPTION
Activities	Quantity	Duration (Hour)	Total Workload (Hour)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 15x Total course hours/week)	15	3	45
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice, review/week)	15	3	45
Homework	1	21	21
Midterm	1	2	2
Final	1	2	2
Total Workload			115
Total Work Load / 25 (h)			4.6
ECTS Credit of the Course			5

None

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