Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CMNS 226 D100

Digital Media Communication Techniques (3)

Class Number: 1177

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-. 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 employs the forms, functions, and genres of fictional storytelling to introduce students to a variety of digital media communication technologies and techniques including image and sound capturing and manipulation, 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 an 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 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, creative writing, lighting, framing, digitizing, editing, graphics, and presenting final productions. Students must also present and discuss their productions in class.

Grading

  • Engagement 20%
  • Video Assignment 1 – Narrative Engagement Pitch 10%
  • In-Class Writing Development 15%
  • Final Project – Storytelling for Public Engagement 35%
  • Online Discussion Contributions 20%

NOTES:

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relationship to established university-wide practices. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 with regard to Student Discipline. For further information visit: www.sfu.ca/policies/Students/index.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.