@Home, eWork, and iSelf: Exploring Social Media

Schedule and Assignments on Google Docs

Class Overview

This course examines and analyzes the character of emerging media forms and structures, particularly so-called “social” media and Web 2.0 applications, the relationship between the forms, and the tools and concepts of each. Through readings, on-line research, and hands-on applied projects, we take an experiential approach to digital media making within each form and a practical understanding of what combination of forms is best for producing and desseminating communication messages. Throughout, we engage and critically evalute the relationship between emerging media and existing mass media networks. The class culminates in collaborative group projects, in the groups’ choice of media, to accomplish an assigned communication task. 

GOALS
In accordance with SMC goals and values, students completing this will be able to…

  • demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications;
  • understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
  • think critically, creatively and independently;
  • demonstrate aesthetic sensibilities; and,
  • be motivated to life-long learning.
     

More specifically, students completing this course will have...

  • Awareness of emerging communication forms and opportunities available through the Web 2.0 technologies.
  • Ability to distinguish and evaluate open-source and proprietary web-based communication clients.
  • Familiarity with current use of social media by individuals and media organizations in profit and non-profit contexts
  • Understanding of simple digital media and web-based tools in applied communication situations
  • Ability to work with others and accomplish collaborative tasks within the mass communication field