Spring 2026 - CMNS 226 D100
Digital Storytelling for Public Engagement (4)
Class Number: 4971
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Chris Jeschelnik
cjeschel@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Storytelling is foundational for media communication today. We connect and engage with media stories almost constantly and through them we understand our world and ourselves. Students learn the importance of storytelling to engage audiences through the practice of media production in conjunction with the history and theories of storytelling. Media literacy is cultivated through the reading and writing of stories, which is done by developing audio and video production and analysis skills in assignments that demonstrate public communication and engagement.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course employs the forms, functions, and genres of fictional storytelling to introduce students to a variety of digital media communication technologies and techniques including image and sound capturing and manipulation, digitizing, editing, and archiving. Design and management tasks involved in communicating using digital media are also introduced, including audio and video editing and processing, data integrity management, file structuring and packaging, and work presentation.
This course is designed to be an introduction to the field of Media Analysis and Production. It is the gateway course for upper-level courses offered in the Media Analysis Lab within the School of Communication (e.g., CMNS 326, and CMNS 426). The Media Analysis Lab uses the production of media (e.g., images, soundtracks, and videos) as a component of an experiential learning pedagogy. The course introduces students to a variety of media analysis traditions, technologies, and techniques. Using an iterative and experience-based learning environment, students cycle through the analysis, research, design, and production of audio-visual media, with the intention of developing a greater understanding of the conventions, meanings, and social implications of contemporary media forms.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
The course will be divided into lecture and lab components. In the lectures, students will be expected to analyze and discuss dominant contemporary genres, production paradigms, and conventions, as well as demonstrate development in their critical understanding of media forms and practices. In the labs, students will be expected to gain technical knowledge and skills required for digital media production including design, production planning, the use of image and sound recording equipment, creative writing, lighting, framing, digitizing, editing, graphics, and presenting final productions. Students must also present and discuss their productions in class.
Grading
- Engagement 20%
- Video Assignment 1 - Narrative Engagement Pitch 10%
- In-Class Writing Development 15%
- Final Project – Storytelling for Public Engagement 35%
- Online Discussion Contributions 20%
NOTES:
Please do not use Canvas Messages to contact the teaching team, use email only.
Marks will be deducted for absences and late work.
Attendance in all components of the course is mandatory and will be reflected in the overall marks for Engagement. There will be no opportunities for making up for missed class components such as attendance in Lecture or Labs. Late penalties will apply automatically with a TEN PERCENT reduction per day applied to any late assignments. This will be applied without exception.
Software and Hardware Requirements
To ensure you can access all course materials and complete assigned coursework, it is required that you have access to a computer with a microphone, camera (cell phone is adequate), and the Internet. Student acquired licensing for Adobe Premiere and Photoshop are required for this class.
Grading and Academic Honesty
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
Student acquired licensing for Adobe Premiere and Photoshop are required for this class.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Readings will be posted on the course page on Canvas https://canvas.sfu.ca/
Student acquired licensing for Adobe Premiere and Photoshop are required for this class.
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
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.