Prof. Friedman's Syllabus

From Baruchnewmedia

Baruch College of the City University of New York

Computer Information Systems Department

CIS 3810 Principles of New Media

SYLLABUS

Professor Linda W Friedman

• Email: Linda.Friedman@baruch.cuny.edu
• Office: Room 11-228 (VC)
• 646-312-3361 (Of course, email is always best.)
• Office hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays. Some Mondays.

COURSE MATERIALS may be found on the course wiki: http://baruchnewmedia.com/wiki/Course_Materials

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A survey of modern cyberculture, including various forms of human communication mediated by the creative application of computer technology, and the developments that have enabled this exploding phenomenon. This course studies the history, theory, and practice of new media in today's networked society; the implications of the convergence of technology and convergence of disciplines; and the societal implications of the new connectedness. Second generation web-based media such as social communities, blogs, wikis, personal web pages will be examined. Issues relating to privacy, copyright and ethics on the web will be explored.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: at the conclusion of this course students will gain an understanding of - new media history, theory, and principles - how new media are being used in today’s highly connected and interconnected environment - the ethical issues inherent in these new media technologies, e.g., the digital divide, gender issues, access for the disabled, etc. - the implications for society of many of these new media technologies - trends in computer-mediated communication and what the future may hold

LEARNING FORMAT: This course requires a high degree of participation on the part of students, who will be required to complete assigned readings before class. The readings will be discussed both in class and online, in students’ own personal blogs and / or on the Blackboard course Discussion Board. Everyone will be required to contribute in some way to web-based blogs, wikis, forums, and online groups, and to report on their experiences in class discussions.

LEARNING CULTURE: This course has been constructed to be a FUN learning experience. However, don't be fooled. Your work is expected to be professional quality. Our final assignments - like blogs and wikis - and the term projects will ultimately be linked to from our course homepage.

GRADING (These percentages are approximate):

• Your Blog – 30%
• Class wiki – 10%
• Critique of an article – 5%
• Term research project – 20%
• Final exam – 15%
• Homework – 10%
• Class participation – 10%. Note that class participation does not only mean attendance. Everyone is required to actively participate in class discussions; to contribute to blogs, wikis, forums, and online groups, and to report on their experiences in class.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: none. Readings are accessible here and from the Newman Library e-reserve.

COURSE OUTLINES:

May be accessed from the Course Materials page.

Spring 2010 Section XZ4A

Fall 2009 Section FH24A

Fall 2009 Section NET1A

READINGS tied to topics may be accessed from the Course Material page. Click HERE.

SOME RECOMMENDED READING

ACADEMIC HONESTY: The Department of Statistics & Computer Information Systems fully supports Baruch College's policy on Academic Honesty, which states, in part: "Academic dishonesty is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Cheating, forgery, plagiarism and collusion in dishonest acts undermine the college's educational mission and the students' personal and intellectual growth. Baruch students are expected to bear individual responsibility for their work and to uphold the ideal of academic integrity. Any student who attempts to compromise or devalue the academic process will be sanctioned." Additional information can be found at http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/academic/academic_honesty.html