CMNS 428-4: Project groups in media methodology SUMMER, 2011
Prerequisites
: 60 credit hours, GPA 3.0 (current or cumulative), including two upper division CMNS courses, & permission of instructor.

REGRETS, ALL GROUPS NOW FILLED, CANNOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS.

Description:
These groups conduct focused research on aspects of the conditioning effects of media technologies, institutions and practices in relational ecologies (interpersonal, social, intercultural). The topics and literature change semester to semester: Students interested should contact me for details usually in the
early part of the semester (weeks 2-4) prior to the one they wish to enroll in.

Seminars and meetings are held off campus 6 times during the semester, typically early evenings on weekdays and/or afternoons on weekends. Course work usually requires considerable reading, between 3-5 substantive texts as well as additional related articles. Due to the degree of independence required, the reading pace & load, and writing, project groups are recommended for students with GPAs of 3.0 and up.

Topics come in two groups, media archaeology and media methods. The groups working in media archaeology pursue an interest in the evolution of the field of communication, its practices, practitioners, central ideas and forms of institutions. Groups centered on media methods focus on the “how” of media composition, form, user and audience experience, from critical and applied points of view.

Requirements:
- Bi-weekly e-mail reporting on research, progress and seminar discussions: (250-500 words: 5 X 10% =) 50%.
- Seminar/meeting participation: 10%.
- Final research report (individual or group), due on 2
nd week of the examination period (2,500-5,000 words): 40%.

Admission priority is given to students in the final semester or year in the CMNS program.