Spring 2022 - CMNS 253W D200
Introduction to Information Technology: The New Media (3)
Class Number: 3211
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Nicole Stewart
nkstewar@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to new communication/information technologies, seen as new media of communication: the technologies, their uses, and the social issues arising from them. Students with credit for CMNS 253 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
COURSE DETAILS:
An introduction to the study of technology and society using new media as its focus. A number of approaches (theories and methods) to the study of new media and information technology will be introduced, along with an examination of the social, cultural, and economic implications of new media in our information-intensive, network-driven and social software-enhanced 21st century. Students will engage in activities designed to enhance their ability and understanding of important skills (“literacies”) in collaborative media.
Virtual reality (VR) is becoming mainstream and companies like Meta and Microsoft are presenting social imaginaries of a super platform that is being dubbed the metaverse. To examine these new social technologies, we will use VR this semester to explore new media. During lectures/tutorials, students will be provided with an Oculus Quest 2 headset to use for immersive reading responses, VR journeys, and class assignments.
Grading
- Module 1 Assignment: Virtual Worlds - Build a VR Scene - due Feb. 22 15%
- Module 2 Assignment: Game Streaming (VR to Social Networks) - due Mar. 14 15%
- Module 3 Assignment: Oculus Research Project - due Apr. 13 30%
- Project A: Set up Google Cardboard and Oculus App 5%
- Project B: Build a VR Avatar (+ 1-page write-up) - VR 5%
- Project C: VR Journeys - VR (4 x 2.5 points each) 10%
- Project D: Immersive Tutorial Participation - VR 10%
- Project E: Immersive Reading Responses 10%
NOTES:
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 S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline (note: as of May 1, 2009 the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02) and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies).
Late assignments will receive a penalty of three points anytime from one day to seven days late. After one week, assignments receive a grade of zero. Late discussion posts will not be accepted.
Your final percentage in the course will be calculated from your grades. A letter grade will be assigned, as follows:
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A+ |
95-100% |
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A |
90-94% |
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A- |
85-89% |
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B+ |
80-84% |
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B |
75-79% |
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B- |
70-74% |
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C+ |
65-69% |
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C |
60-64% |
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C- |
55-59% |
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D |
50-54% |
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F |
0-49% |
You can find out more about Simon Fraser University’s grading policies on the university website.
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES
Due dates and times are provided for all assignments. Ten (10) percent is deducted for assignments that are 1-7 days late. After 7 days, the assignments will not be accepted.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Simon Fraser University values academic integrity. Read the SFU policies on cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty. The consequences of such behaviour are serious. Also familiarize yourself with the SFU library tutorials on avoiding plagiarism, academic integrity, and library research skills.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
CLASS MATERIALS (INSTRUCTOR PROVIDED)
- Oculus Quest 2 headset/controllers
REQUIRED MATERIALS (STUDENT PROVIDED)
- 3.5mm headphones (bring to every class/tutorial)
- Google Cardboard (or similar product/DIY project). It’s easy to make. A DIY template is on Canvas.
- Oculus application on your mobile phone (Spatial, Engage, etc.)
- Applications we may use: WhatsApp, Oculus, Meta, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Clubhouse, Zoom, etc.
Media Applications
In class, we will use media applications like Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, Google Jamboard, Canva, Bingo Baker, Oculus, Meta, Facebook, WhatsApp, Padlet, Zoom, Clubhouse, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and more. For each application, it is your responsibility to review and accept the privacy policy. Your personal information will be stored, accessed, and disclosed outside of Canada (often in the USA).
Masks
Face masks are required for all in-person lectures/tutorials. You must wear a mask when you are using the Oculus Quest 2 headsets.
Oculus Quest 2 Headsets
Students will help take care of the headsets. Please assist with sanitization after use and carefully place the headset back into the provided case after each VR session.
REQUIRED READING:
New Media: An Introduction, by Terry Flew and Richard Smith. 4th Edition. 2021 Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 9780199037001
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022
Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place. Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).
Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required. You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.