Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - CMNS 326 D100

Applied Media Workshop: On the Hill (4)

Class Number: 1237

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 226 or 235, with a minimum grade of C-; or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This laboratory course provides an opportunity for students to produce the School of Communication's web-based news magazine and documentary program 'On The Hill'. Students will draw on their understanding of public communication in democracies and media analysis skills to create new and innovative visual and aural journalism. In addition, students will learn to build teamwork skills as they produce segments for the shows in groups. The course seminars will emphasize communication design, and the social and ethical issues which arise when working with documentary and news material for public dissemination.

COURSE DETAILS:

The day-to-day work of news reporting is a creative process, involving self-determined actors interacting with constantly evolving cultural and technological environments. Contemporary data management techniques and networked distribution systems have transformed journalistic practice and opened up opportunities for new forms of public communication and information dissemination.

This course explores these opportunities from two intertwined and reciprocally shaping perspectives. First, by studying the traditions of journalistic practice and analysis; looking at the theories, structures, organizations, content, effects, and audiences of news media. Second, by working in production teams to produce multi modal material to explore and innovate new forms of journalistic practice.

Students will be required to employ journalistic practices in the form of research, interviewing, audio and video recording, editing, presentation and distribution of media. Group meetings, seminars, and workshops are scheduled weekly. Students should expect to spend an additional minimum of four hours per week in related activities.

Grading

  • Attendance 20%
  • Online Discussions 15%
  • Written Assignment 1 15%
  • Video Assignment 1 15%
  • Written Assignment 2 15%
  • Video Assignment 1 20%

NOTES:

Lab and tutorial participation grades will take into account preparation, for example, bringing the results of take-home exercises to class, and demonstrating in discussions and Canvas postings that you have done the work assigned and completed reading assignments. Marks will be deducted for absences and late work.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Software and Hardware Requirements

To ensure you can access all course materials and complete assigned coursework, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the Internet. Access to Adobe Premiere and Photoshop are required for this class.

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be posted on the course page on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.