Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CMNS 488 D100

Selected Topics in Communication (4)

Technologies of Creativity

Class Number: 1089

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Depends on topic; published before enrollment.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intensive analysis of a particular topic in the general area of communication. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topic for Fall 2024:   Technologies of Creativity 
Prerequisite:  75 units, with at least 2 CMNS upper division courses; or written permission of the Instructor (flesage@sfu.ca).

Creativity is said to be one of our most innate human traits and one of our most important resources. We are interpolated from all sides to be creative; to ‘think different’ and ‘unlock our imagination’. Yet recent developments in Generative AI suggest that creativity is no longer a faculty limited to humans. Can such technologies truly play a role in the creative process?

To answer this question, we will set out to excavate changing conceptions of creativity over the last two centuries through an analysis of image-making technologies and the related precepts for how to design and use them. In doing so, we will discover that technologies have not only always played a key role in the creative process, but that how we define and shape that role has important implications for how we fundamentally understand who can be creative and to what purpose.

By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of how certain underpinning assumptions about creativity are designed into technology and what implications these designs have for work, art, and everyday life.

Grading

  • Annotation Assignments (to be submitted on Canvas) 35%
  • Discussant Work (with postings on Canvas) 15%
  • Term Assignment (proposal, round table peer review, and research paper/project) 40%
  • Self-Assessment 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course texts will be made available on the course Canvas page. Key readings should be read in preparation for the week’s seminar. In other words, be sure to read Week 2 key readings before the Week 2 seminar, read Week 3 key readings before the Week 3 seminar, etc.

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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

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.