Richard Smith Fall 2004

HC 2622; 604-291-5116 Harbour Centre Day

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: THE NEW MEDIA

Prerequisites: CMNS 110 or 130.

Overview:

This course helps the communication student understand the technology of new media: digital computers and digital networks. The course also situates these technologies in their historical context, and introduces several theories to help us understand and critique their development and application in society. In the second half for the course, we review several current issues, trends, and implications of information technology in modern society, including e-commerce, health informatics, surveillance, online communities, and network politics. For a detailed version of the course outline, as well as week by week schedule and assignments, see the course web site (http://webct.sfu.ca) or the instructor’s web page (http://www.sfu.ca/~smith).

Required Texts:

Wade Rowland, Spirit of the Web, Toronto: Somerville, 1997, ISBN 1-895897-98-X.

Custom Courseware will be available at the university bookstore.

Grading:

Assignments will be marked based on a balance of critical thinking, sound logic, and persuasive language.

In class assignments/debate/participation 20%

Midterm exam 30%

Short assignments (5-10 marks each) 50%

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).

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. For details on the plagiarism policy of the School and the University, see the resources at the library web site: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/researchhelp/writing/plagiarism.htm). Plagiarism may result in a “zero” mark on the assignment or an “F” on the course. It may also result in expulsion from the university. It is not worth it.