Introduction to Information Technology: The New Media

Length of course: One semester (14 weeks)

Number of credits: 3 credits

Prerequisites: English 099, Mass Communication 130 or 110

Description of course:

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 collective media.

Course outline:

Week 1: Introduction

Week 2: What is New Media?

Week 3: History

Week 4: Theory

Week 5: Mobility

Week 6:  Social Networks and participatory culture

Week 7: Midterm

Week 8 Games

Week 9: Creative Industries

Week 10: Knowledge Economy

Week 11: Internet Policy

Week 12: Issues

Week 13: Presentations; Conclusion

Evaluation:

Midterm exam 15%

Assignments 30%

Project 20%

Participation 15%

Final exam 20%

Text: Terry Flew and Richard Smith, New Media: an Introduction (Don Mills, Ont., 2011)

Transferability:
SFU CMNS 253 (3)

TRU-OL CMNS 2XX1 (3)

UBC Arts 1st (3)

UFV MACS 2XX (3)

UVIC SOCI 200-level (1.5); cannot take UVIC SOCI 320 for credit

Instructors:

Norbert Ruebsaat, B.A. British Columbia), M.A. (Simon Fraser)

Ian Chunn, B.A., M.A. (Toronto), B.Ed. (British Columbia)

Roman Onufrijchuk, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (Simon Fraser)