SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

CMNS 253-3 D-1

INTRODUCTION TO NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: THE NEW MEDIA

Prerequisite:

CMNS 110 or 130.


Overview:

This course introduces the student to information technology – computers and computer networks – and the issues raised by its use in the home, the workplace, schools, government, and social relations. Through assignments, projects and team work, the course will build skills in the way that computers and computer networks function and how they can be used effectively for student research. Examination of the issues of computer use in society will combine technical explanations with theoretical implications. Some of the topics to be covered in this course:

- What is a computer, how does it work, history and future of computing devices.
- What is a computer network, how does it work, history and future of computer networks.
- What is new media, how does it work, history and future for new media.
- Interpersonal relationships in Cyberspace: how do people communicate with one another through the new media?
- Virtual communities: what are the new social forms that emerge in the new media and what is their significance?
- Gender issues in Cyberspace: are the new media equally used by men and women?
- Virtual universities; how do the new media affect our educational institutions?
- Computer networking in the home: family and children; what are the implications of their growing use of information and communication technology?


Required Texts:

Wade Rowland, In the Spirit of the Web, Toronto: Somerville, 1997, ISBN 1-895897-98-X.
Additional readings will be put on reserve.
In addition to the textbook, students will have access to on-line material as well as an email discussion group and class web page.

Please note: Three chapters of the text are required per week. By the midterm (end of week 6), students should have read to the end of Chapter 15, “Broadcasting’s Pot of Gold”. Students should have finished the entire book by the end of week 12.


A Note on Technology:

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to think critically about the technology of new media, to comprehend the technology, and to be able to act creatively with the new media, and particularly the World Wide Web. As such, this course will make intensive use of on-line resources and discussion forums (e.g. email, a mailing list, and web pages). We do not assume anything more than basic email competency at the beginning. We will provide exercises and opportunities for you to learn skills such as basic web page design.

Students must have a campus computing ID (or other valid email and web surfing access before the first day of class and must send a message to the instructor (smith@sfu.ca) BEFORE the first class indicating their level of experience with computers and computer networks.

Please Note: Although some technical skills with a view to the Internet and the World Wide Web will be taught in this course, this is NOT a computing/web design tutorial type of course.


Grading, Assignments and Exams:

There will be a mid-term exam (worth 25%) in week 9, as well as a final exam (worth 25%) scheduled for this course. In addition, students will prepare short assignments (worth 20%) and a team project (worth 30%) for presentation in class and display on the World Wide Web.

All assignments will be marked based on a balance of critical thinking, sound logic, and persuasive language. Correct use of spelling an grammar will be required in all assignments. Detailed instructions on these assignments will be provided in class.

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the School will follow Policy T10.02 with respect to “Intellectual Honesty” and “Academic Discipline” (see the current Calendar, General Regulations section).