Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CMNS 326 D100

Applied Media Workshop: On the Hill (4)

Class Number: 7585

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2021
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 226 or 235; 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.

Thiscourseexplorestheseopportunitiesfrom two intertwined and reciprocally shaping perspectives.First,bystudyingthetraditionsof journalisticpracticeandanalysis;lookingatthetheories,structures,organizations, content,effects,andaudiencesofnewsmedia.Second,byworkinginproductionteams toexplore 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. In lieu of face-to-face group meetings, seminars, and workshops that are normally scheduled in a studio setting, students will be expected to participate in various online activities that will include online discussions, video conferencing, and a variety of online research activities.

Grading

  • Workshop Activities 20%
  • Online Discussions 20%
  • Video Assignment 1 Local News 20%
  • Video Assignment 2 Global News 20%
  • Written Assignment 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

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be posted on the course page on Canvas https://canvas.sfu.ca/


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 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).