Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - CMNS 226 D100

Digital Media Communication Techniques (3)

Class Number: 6924

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 110 and 130. CMNS 220 recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces students to a variety of digital media communication technologies and techniques, including image and sound capturing and manipulation, Internet-based publishing and research, 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.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to a variety of digital media communication technologies and techniques, including image and sound capturing and manipulation, Internet-based publishing and research, 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 our 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.

The course will be divided into lecture and lab components. In the lectures, students will be expected to analyze and discuss the 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, uploading and formatting for the Internet, creative writing, lighting, framing, digitizing, editing, graphics, and presenting final productions. Students must also present and discuss their productions in class.

Grading

  • Preliminary Grading Scheme (to be confirmed in class)
  • Workshop Activities (Weekly) 20%
  • Video Assignment I - One Minute Profile (due Feb. 15th) 20%
  • Video Assignment II - Narrative Project (due April 5th) 20%
  • Reading Reflection I 10%
  • Reading Reflection II 10%
  • Online Discussions (Weekly) 20%

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.]

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be posted on the course page on Canvas.

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 FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).