Catalog Description:

Introduction to the rapidly changing field of new media, including video gaming, video and webpage Internet design, web and podcasting, blogs, online communities, and other aspects of a virtual world. The course is primarily a studies class, examining these new technologies in terms of their social and communicative impact.

Goals:

Today’s rapidly changing media environment is not only changing how people create a dialogue and discuss issues globally, but also changes how people connect. Identity and storytelling have become paramount in a world where everyone has a voice.

The course focuses on how democracy of storytelling is changing and how individuals can gain identities as mature storytellers who can defend their points of view.  A focus on integrity and truth as well as aspects of journalism will be explored and an exploration of new technologies in social media. The goal is to not only understand the way new media works, but to participate in this new and rapidly growing environment.

Objectives

To demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills when discussing the process of rapidly evolving media.

To display the ability to discuss issues in a rational way, to analyze critically, and to evaluate effectively.

To further develop research abilities and explain findings in written and oral form.

To understand theories of interaction in a virtual space.

To understand how storytelling in a new media realm creates identity and how to effectively utilize stories in many forms.

To become familiar with current issues regarding new media on a global scale.

To effectively display technical knowledge in publishing in an online realm in the form of blogs or posts.

Text:

Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus. May 2011. Penguin.

ISBN: 978-0143119586

Film:

Fincher, David. The Social Network. 2010.

Evaluation Criteria:

Participation and Dialogue - 30%

Project 1: Reporting assignment - 15%

Project 2: Creative assignment - 15%

New Media Exercises - 15%

Project 3: Dialogue and research assignment - 25%

Correct grammar and punctuation are required – they constitute a significant portion of your grade for any written assignment.

The Communicating Across the Curriculum (CAC) requirement for writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking is an integral part of all assignments. Students will demonstrate effective oral and written communication. They will also demonstrate the ability to discuss issues in a rational way, to analyze critically, and to evaluate effectively.