During this course you will critically discuss a selection of readings related to platform activism. You will be expected to read 2-3 papers each week and pose a question, reflection or topic for discussion in our Discord server. Thrice during the semester you will act as a discussant who leads our class meeting by drawing on the group’s reflections or be designated as a scribe to record the content of the discussion.

You will use the knowledge you build from critically reflecting on the readings to inform a major research project. Working as individuals or in pairs, you will propose and complete a research study or design intervention. You may choose to undertake a literature review, conduct a community study, or build and launch a prototype. Regardless of the form, you will write a 3,000-4,000 word paper about your project that you will present for discussion during our final meeting.

All online communication for this course will take place via Discord. If you do not already have an account, please create one. Join our server, then follow the instructions in the #welcome channel to set your nickname and pronouns.

CSC356-S25 Discord Server Invitation: https://discord.gg/dJ8xbs6J9r

• #announcements: Important notices about class times, deadlines, office hours, etc.
• #general: Introduce yourself and discuss course-related material, off-topic ideas, etc.
• #reflections: Share your reactions, thoughts, or questions about the weekly readings.
• DMs: Message me directly for matters that require individual communication.

I will try to answer questions within 24hrs during the work week, but please try to bring your questions to the group when possible. Chances are, someone else has been wondering the same thing; also remember I’m not available on weekends! Sometimes I miss DMs, so don’t worry about pinging me again if you’re waiting on a reply. Lastly, please note that I’m terrible at responding to email. I’ll read it, but you’ll either get a reply right away, or between two days and two years later.

Office hours are a time when you can ask me questions about... anything! Weekly hours are for any student who would like to chat with me and I hold them on a variable schedule. To see upcoming office hours and ensure you get a slot, please book a time via Calendly. Most office hours are hybrid; students can stop by in person in Bass 106 or virtually, but I will announce during class the weeks when appointments will only be held remotely on Gather.

Reserve Time via Calendly: https://calendly.com/johannabrewer

Virtual Meetings on Gather: https://gather.town/app/NfY57eEoJJb22wzP/InclusiveDesignLab

This course follows an “ungrading” approach. You will receive informal qualitative feedback throughout the semester and only final papers will be formally graded. The most useful feedback on your projects will come from seeking guidance during office hours. You will be asked to review your own performance and weigh in on your final letter grade, and your overall assessment will be weighted to reflect the workload.

• 50% Research project
• 25% Reading reflections & class participation
• 25% Discussant duties & scribe service

Your success in this class will depend on active engagement with both the material and each other because platform activism is a group effort. To do well, you must demonstrate that you are working to master both critical reflection and collective action.

Most of the work for this class will be completed individually or in pairs. Regardless of the assignment, if you assist one another, either as a teammate or peer reviewer, you must acknowledge your collaborators. Likewise, I expect you to always cite all sources used in the preparation of your research project. This includes not only scholarly books, papers, and articles but also online magazines, YouTube videos, social media posts, ChatGPT conversations, etc.

Though formal attendance will not be taken, you won’t be able to fully participate in class if you are not there. We only meet thirteen times so your presence in each class matters. You should make arrangements with me in advance of a planned absence, especially if you have discussant or scribe duties. If you have an emergency, inform me after you are safe. If you must isolate for health reasons, please use the #general channel in Discord to ask to join via Zoom. Regardless, please remember to stay home if you feel unwell.

It is important you work in a timely fashion in order to meaningfully participate in the class discussions. Project assignments and reading reflections are due by midnight on Sundays, and scribe notes must be completed by Wednesdays, but late is better than never. If you need additional time to complete your work, DM me to request it. Extensions for the final paper will only be given in cases where the student’s Dean provides a written request.

Laptops and phones can be distracting, but they are important tools for us. Please avoid using your devices in class for purposes other than coursework. Hydration is essential, so bring beverages, but you must use closed containers to avoid spills. We will have a break during which you can have a snack, but please refrain from eating during class. Everyone is welcome to use concentration accommodations like fidget toys, knitting, doodling, moving around, sitting on non-chairs; just be mindful not to disrupt the conversation.

During this course we will engage in intense scholarly discussions. When communicating with one another, I expect you to practice active listening. When someone is talking, focus on understanding what they are expressing rather than thinking of how you will respond. Additionally, keep in mind that our wide array of individual backgrounds shape our unique perspectives, so please respect one another when we have sincere differences of opinion.

As a mixed-race, Native, non-binary, neurodivergent person who was the first in their family to earn a doctoral degree, I have a stake in bettering, and first-hand knowledge regarding, the experience of marginalized folks in our society. I know that a welcoming learning environment can have a real impact, and so I am committed to making this classroom a comfortable place for all my students. Please let me know if you ever have thoughts, questions, or concerns about ensuring that we treat one another equitably.

Written course materials including readings, slides, and lecture notes will be provided as PDFs that are screen reader compatible and all audio/visual media will offer captions. If you have any issues accessing the materials, let me know as soon as possible and I will work to find a solution. Should you encounter barriers to participation in this or any other course, contact the Accessibility Resource Center via email at arc@smith.edu or by calling (413) 585-2071 to make an appointment to discuss support and accommodations.

College can be stressful, but you are not alone. Reach out for help if you are feeling unwell or overwhelmed. The Schacht Center on campus provides a variety of free & confidential health and counseling services. Email healthservices@smith.edu or call (413) 585-2250 for any medical concerns. To set up an appointment for mental health support you can email counselingservices@smith.edu or call (413) 585-2840 if you are in crisis.

Some of the conceptualization for this course was inspired by previous classes at Smith and other institutions. Thanks to my academic colleagues for sharing their syllabi.