Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CMNS 325 D100

Visualization and Visual Culture in Communication (4)

Class Number: 3189

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units including two CMNS, IAT or FPA upper division courses, both with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Investigates both theories and techniques of visualization design, visual culture, and visual communication. Themes covered in the course include: theories of visualization in relation to communication studies; methodologies for studying the interplay of technology, culture and media in visual studies and visual communication design; analysis of imaging conventions and innovations in the context of contemporary global communication; and visual communication in diverse cultural contexts. This is a laboratory-based course, requiring the completion of practical assignments that apply the ideas and theories presented in lectures and readings. Students with credit for CMNS 387 offered with subtitle "Visualization" may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

The availability of powerful and relatively inexpensive digital technologies for documenting and analyzing audio-visual phenomena has made visualization design an important component of communications strategies in many areas.  New employment opportunities in areas such as ‘data journalism’, ‘infographics’, and ‘visual analytics’ have emerged as potential career paths for students in the field of communication.

The course offers students an opportunity to engage with core concepts in theories and methods used in visual communications and to develop skills in visualization design. Visualization design is not merely a set of techniques for organizing and presenting data. Visualization techniques have the potential to offer insights into phenomena and patterns that we cannot necessarily ‘see’ with the naked eye. Visual representations are not always neutral presentations of ‘facts’ but have the potential to misinform and misrepresent. The ability to critically analyze the visual display of data as information and to design effective strategies in visual communications is of fundamental importance for understanding and participating in contemporary society.

Visual culture and visualization processes thus conceived are powerful ways of knowing and engaging with the world. This course investigates both theories and techniques of visualization design. Themes covered in the course include: theories of visualization in relation to communication studies; methodologies for developing visual communication designs that are appropriate for specific content and contexts; analysis of imaging conventions and innovative directions in the visual display of quantitative and qualitative information; and factors that need to be considered in the design of visual communication in diverse cultural contexts and in global communication networks.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Learn how to present data in an understandable, efficient, effective, and aesthetic manner, for the purposes of explaining ideas and analyzing data.
  • Acquire skills at designing and evaluating information visualizations and other forms of visual presentation.
  • Become familiar with the core principles and some of the literature of the field. 

Grading

  • First Visualization Design Project 10%
  • Second Visualization Design Project 20%
  • Third Visualization Design Project 15%
  • Final Applied Design Project 30%
  • Lecture and Tutorial Participation (includes timely submission of exercises)* 25%

NOTES:

*Attendance at all scheduled tutorial sessions is mandatory. You are also required to either attend lectures or view all lecture materials once posted on Canvas. Marks will be deducted for absences except in the case of valid documented absences acceptable to the Registrar. (A completed SFU healthcare provider form is required for absences due to healthcare issues).

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 on time. No grades will be given for late submission of exercises and major assignments.

Details on the major assignments will be presented in separate handouts.  The following page provides an overview of the tentative schedule for topics and activities planned for each week of class sessions.

REQUIREMENTS:

Class activities include lectures and tutorials. Lectures focus on theoretical and analytical foundations of visualization design. Lab and tutorial activities provide opportunities to develop practical applications of core concepts. Types of in-class exercises will include, but are not limited to: creating designs, peer assessing other students’ designs, building on other students’ or your own designs, practicing using visual design tools, and answering questions.

Students are expected to attend ALL of the scheduled hours for lecture, labs and tutorials in this course. Students are expected to participate actively, do the required readings and homework, and come to class prepared. All students are expected to participate actively in critiques and discussions.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kennedy, H., & Engebretsen, M. (Eds.). (2020). Data Visualization in Society. Amsterdam University Press; https://www.aup.nl/en/book/9789048543137/data-visualization-in-society. 

(Available for download on Open Access Platform).


ISBN: 9789048543137

Other readings (and viewing assignments) will be assigned throughout the semester and made available online or through library reserves.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Baer, K. (2008). Information design workbook [electronic resource] : graphic approaches, solutions, and inspiration. Beverly Mass: Rockport. Available on-line (SFU library).


Cairo, A. (2013). The Functional Art: an introduction to information graphics and visualization. New Riders (Pearson): Berkeley. Available on-line (SFU library).


Drucker, J. (2014). Graphesis: Visual forms of knowledge production. Harvard University Press.


Few, S. (2009).  Now You See It:  Simple Visualization Techniques for Quantitative Analysis. Oakland:  Analytics Press.


Klein, L. F., & D’Ignazio, C. (2020). Data Feminism. MIT Press, The MIT Press.


Meirelles, I. 2013. Design for information: an introduction to the histories, theories, and best practices behind effective information visualizations, Beverly MA: Rockport.


Munzner, T. (2015) Visualization analysis & design, Boca Raton, FL : CRC Press, [2015] Available on-line (SFU library).


Tufte, E. (2001). The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Cheshire, Conn.: Graphics Press.


Ware, C. (2008). Visual Thinking for Design. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Available on-line (SFU library).


Yau, N. (2011).  Visualize This. The Flowing Data Guide to Design, Visualization and Statistics. Indianapolis: Wiley. Available on-line (SFU library).


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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.