Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CMNS 253W OL01

Introduction to Information Technology: The New Media (3)

Class Number: 1137

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to new communication/information technologies, seen as new media of communication: the technologies, their uses, and the social issues arising from them. Students with credit for CMNS 253 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to the study of technology and society using new media as its focus. A number of approaches (theories and methods) to the study of new media and information technology will be introduced, along with an examination of the social, cultural, and economic implications of new media in our information-intensive, network-driven and social software enhanced 21st century. Students will engage in activities designed to enhance their ability and understanding of important skills (“literacies”) in collaborative media.

Grading

  • Weekly short assignments via the discussion group (10 X 2) 20%
  • Three longer assignments - see Canvas for details (3 X 15) 45%
  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • Final Exam 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:

New Media: An Introduction, by Terry Flew and Richard Smith. 4th
Edition. 2021 Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 9780199037001

Chapters from the textbook, plus online readings via Canvas.

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.