Introduction to New Media Theory:IM 250

Course Goals and Objectives

The goals for the course include:

(1) To examine and develop conceptual ideas derived from scholarship about human communication, mass media, and computational digital technologies. New media theory emanates from diverse and interdisciplinary sources. The course is designed to sample conceptual diversity by highlighting and interrogating some of what we know.

(2) To examine and develop conceptual foundations derived from the cultural and commercial dimensions of new media history and technologies. Much new media theory is derived from professional practice, including contemporary and everyday phenomena. Ongoing technological innovations and implementations variously conform to and challenge our understandings and explanations. The course examines the everyday, bringing focus to the taken-for-granted, both to test and expand disciplinary/scholarly knowledge.

(3) To provide students with increased and improved technical vocabularies with which to study and discuss conceptual developments in the field.

(4) Developing critical insights about taken-for-granted new media phenomena. Students are encouraged to think critically about the roles of media (new and old) in their lives as well as in our cultures and civilizations.

(5) To develop informed speculations concerning the future of new media with particular attention to the roles of citizen, consumer, and producer behavior. To the degree that “the new media are us,” the course encourages increased awareness, self-consciousness, and a critical attitude toward participation in mediated communication.

The objectives for the course include:
In order to meet these goals, students should be able to comprehend, identify, apply, and critically evaluate the definitions of the concepts.

In the case of the core concepts presented in lecture/discussion and web notes, students should be able to:

• write the definitions of the concepts and of their subparts;

• compare and contrast aspects of the concepts & subparts among each other in order to explain the differences/similarities among and between them;

• observe, identify, and illustrate the concepts and subparts in news/media reports of industry developments (not including personal opinion-based, amatuer blogs).
  

In the case of the materials presented in the two textbooks (whether by lecture/discussion or reading) students should be able to:

• specify the author’s thesis for each chapter;

• recall and describe/summarize the principle “storyline” the author used to highlight the case supporting the thesis;

• list at least three main evidential/supporting propositions developed/presented in support of the thesis of each chapter;

• specify crucial sub-theses in each chapter (if present) and explain how they are used to modify the argument;

• compare, contrast, the positions of the two authors on each of each other’s theses in order to explain the differences/similarities among and between them;

• justify and defend your evaluation of the merits of the cases for each thesis presented by each author.

Requirements and Expectations

Class attendance is expected. Students should read and study the textbooks and concept readings according to the schedule. There will be (a) exams over the books and the concepts (3), (b) "concept application notes" over the concepts (1 or 2 each class day) (c) reading summaries over the books, and (d) a term paper (in 3 parts).

(a) The text book exams will address the learning objectives listed in the objectives section, above.

(b) "Concept application notes": Each class day that we deal with the 20 course concepts (after the first), students will post one or two one page (400-500 word) "content application note(s)" to Sakai forums. The post must observe, identify, and illustrate the course concept (or subconcept) in media reports of news/industry developments (not including personal opinion-based, amatuer blogs). Please be sure to do a paragraph or two explaining your understanding of the concept BEFORE you do the application to a current event/article. DO NOT JUST CUT AND PASTE WHAT I'VE WRITTEN OR SAID. The emphasis for concept application notes over course concepts should be on application, with summary secondary (but both must be present). I need for you to show, clearly, that you learned the material (in addition to applying it).

(c) Summarize the readings as in a book report such that your understanding of key components are clear. Clarity is preferred to quantity; I need to be able to see (a) that you did the reading (b) what your understanding of it is. Summaries are NOT intended as a place for you to dialog with the material (argue about whether you agree/disagree). Such discussions should be conducted in class. However, you SHOULD include questions about things you don't understand in your summaries, highlighted so that I'm sure to see them. You may need to remind me of the questions in class; but I will see them in the summaries and will answer them as quickly as I can. Summaries also get posted to the Sakai forums.

Due dates and times are listed on the syllabus and vary between noon and 11pm. The illustrations can be drawn from the zipped data set [available as a zipped file--380 MB--on the gcc server share/classes/im250] OR from your own research of current articles (2007 and later). The note must clearly (1) indicate the class or text material treated and (2) indicate the source of the illustration (including title, author, and URL) (3) indicate the class date for the contribution (4) present your analysis of the illustration using the course objectives as guidelines for treatment. These notes only "count" for students who are in class on the target day. I may share especially interesting notes with the class. Do not use any of the illustrations that I use in lecture, lecture notes, or that appear in the books. You may miss 3 concept application notes or reading summaries over the course of the term without penalty (doing 100% of them will [essentially] earn you extra credit for 3). Concept application notes and summaries will be graded and scored for quality.

Texts:

Henry Jenkins, Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. NYUP, 2006 (updated paperback 2008)[be sure you buy the new version]; Andrew Keen, The Cult of the Amateur: How Today's Internet is Killing Our Culture. Doubleday, 2007.

Grading:

Exam 1: (Convergence Culture) ----------------150
Exam 2: (Cult of the Amateur)------------------150
Term Paper, Full sentence outline & bib:------50
Term Paper rough draft & bib:--------------------50
Term Paper:--------------------------------------------50
3 exams: (Course concepts 75 each)------------225
Summaries & Concept application notes-----325
Total--------------------------------------------------1000 (final total could be more or less than 1,000)
A: 88.5%-100% B:88.4-78.5 C: 78.4-68.5 D: 68.4-58.5 F:<58.5

Term Paper:

10 pages (1/2 inch margins, double spaced, 12 point font) paper examining/discussing one of the following topics in light of the arguments made in Keen and Jenkins, especially about the efficacy of collective intelligence and participatory digital culture. The paper must compare and contrast the treatment the topic would receive from BOTH Jenkins and Keen. You may side with either author in your discussion and conclusion section. Topics: (1) Developing universal knowledge collections; (2) Marketing and social media participation; (3)Virtual worlds as games v. social environments (4) Citizen/public journalism; (5) Identity and avatarial representation in virtual worlds; (6) Digital interativity and television in the US; (7) Fair use, copyright, and trademark. The paper should (a) Explain/describe the aspect that you've selected (b) present the material from Jenkins and Keen (c) apply the Jenkins/Keen material, critically, to the phenomena. All papers MUST feature sections and section headings (including but not limited to introduction, topic selected, theory development/explanation, application and discussion, summary and conclusion). All/any sources should be carefully documented using MLA style. Papers are reduced by one full letter grade per 24 hours after the due date/time for each portion (full sentence outline, rough draft, final paper). Only students with completed full sentence outline my turn in a rough draft; only students with completed rough draft may turn in the final paper.

Extra Credit: You may earn up to 50 extra credit points (in addition to those available for perfect attendance) by writing a second, 10 page, paper. The extra credit paper should follow the same parameters as the term paper, except that only the final paper is turned in. The extra credit paper is due before Monday Dec. 14 at 9am. Late papers will NOT be accepted. The paper takes up a different topic than the one you did for the term paper and applies the concepts from 2 of the following books (one from set "A," one from set "B.") Set A: Everything Bad Is Good for You: How Today's Popular Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter, Steven Johnson; What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy. Second Edition. James Paul Gee; Serious Games: Games That Educate, Train, and Inform, David Michael & Sande Chen; Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations, Clay Shirky; The Wisdom of Crowds, James Surowiecki; Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School, John Medina; Remix, Lawrence Lessig. SET B: The Future of the Internet--And How to Stop It, Jonathan Zittrain; Amusing Ourselves to Death, Neil Postman; Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology, Neil Postman; The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future (Or, Don't Trust Anyone Under 30), Mark Bauerlein; Mediated: How the Media Shapes Our World and the Way We Live in It, Thomas de Zengotita.

Your review must provide clear evidence of your having read the two books (not just reviews or summaries of them).

Special Considerations

You will sign in each class day. Failure to sign the roll sheet results in "missing" the day. Missing the day results in no scoring of the daily contribution.

The final exam is Tuesday Dec. 15, 2:30-4:30. No early or make-up exams will be arranged for any of the 5 exams. Students with emergencies must contact Dr. Lamoureux (in person or by phone) before the end of the test period; accommodations will be made for (only) dire emergencies.

Concept application notes and summaries are due as listed. No late materials will be accepted/graded.

We have a class e-mail alias <im25001-fa@bumail.bradley.edu>. Please check it daily (if you forward your mail out of it, be sure to empty the BU box regularly). I deduct 25 points (I'll notify you) from your score total each time--after the first (I'll warn you of this one)-- that I get bounced mail because your box is full. There is a Sakai site for grades and for your concept application notes and summaries.

Please do not use tobacco products in class. I am distracted by their use and will insist that you leave if you persist.

Electronic devices may not be used in class. This includes laptop computers. If you wish to take notes, you'll need paper and writing instrument. Use of electronics will meet with suggestion that you leave.

I do not use text messaging, so one student each day will be identified as the "designated emergency text message monitor" and will be asked to leave their cell phone on for this purpose. You must be registered with BU to serve. Please help me identify this person in a timely fashion each day.

All students are responsible to the same syllabus schedule, regardless of outside or BU-sponsored activities. I only accept materials early by agreement before the due date. Those with documented university-sponsored activities or illness MAY NOT reserve their three "misses" using those excuses. Absences in addition to the 3 must be thoroughly documented and arrangements made BEFORE THE CLASS IN QUESTION in order to qualify for exception. I expect ALL students to be able to function within the 3 "free" absences.

Students with BU-certified learning disabilities should contact me immediately. I've often worked with the BU Learning Resources Center to facilitate learning. However, arrangements must be made at the start of the term.

Please do not call (home, 672-5878; cell 635-2605) after 8pm at night unless there is an emergency. I am often in my office (GCC 315; 677-2378). "Official" office hours are Tues: 10:30-11:30; Thurs: 1:30-2:30 and by appointment. My e-mail address is <ell@bradley.edu>; AIM & skype: dredleelam; Second Life: Professor Beliveau.

Policy regarding e-mail communication about grades:
As a matter of the Interactive Media Program's policy to protect student privacy and in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, questions and concerns regarding grades must be presented in person or in a written letter. Instructors will not respond to questions and concerns communicated through e-mail or telephone calls regarding grades.

Policy regarding student absence due to an illness:
When missing classes and related assignments due to an illness, it is the student's responsibility to provide a document issued by a medical authority to verify the student's absence due to illness, unless the Office of the Associate Provost for Student Affairs informs an instructor of the basis for the student's absence. Instructors will not call the Health Center or any other source to verify the student's reason for absence.

Plagiarism merits an "F" on the activity and disciplinary action. DON'T copy each other's work and DO document sources properly.

Flexible Schedule: May be revised, with notice.

August

27 class 1
In Class: Introduction & Concept 1
Due by 8am, Monday 8-31: Concept 1 app. note.
For future class: Listen to concept 1 and 2 audio files

Sept

1 class 2
In Class: Concept 1 discussion; Concept 2
Due by 11pm: Concept 2 application note
For future class: Read Jenkins & Keen Intros

3 class 3
Due by noon today: Reading summary, Jenkins & Keen Intros
In Class: Concept 2 discussion; Keen and Jenkins Intros
For future class: Read Jenkins & Keen Chapter 1

8 class 4
Due by noon today: Reading summary, Jenkins & Keen, Chapter 1
In Class: Jenkins & Keen, Chapter 1.
For future class: Read Jenkins, Chapter 5 & Keen Chapter 2

10 class 5
Due by noon today: Reading summary Jenkins, Chapter 5 & Keen, Chapter 2
In Class:Jenkins, Chapter 5 & Keen Chapter 2
For future class: Read Jenkins, Chapter 6 & Keen, Chapter 3

15 class 6
Due by noon today: Reading summary Jenkins, Chapter 6 & Keen Chapter 3
In Class: Jenkins, Chapter 6 & Keen, Chapter 3
For future class: Keen, Chapters 4 & 5

17 class 7
Due by noon today: Reading summary, Keen, Chapters 4 & 5
In Class: Keen, Chapters 4 & 5
For future class: Jenkins Chapters 3 & 4

22 class 8
Due by noon today: Reading summary, Jenkins, Chapters 3 & 4
In Class: Jenkins, Chapters 3 & 4
For future class: Keen Chapters 6 & 7

24 class 9
Due by noon today: Reading summary, Keen, Chapters 6 & 7
In Class: Keen, Chapters 6 & 7
For future class: Jenkins, Conclusion & Afterforward, & Keen, Solutions

29 class 10
Due by noon today: Jenkins, Conclusion & Afterforward, & Keen, Solutions
In Class: Jenkins, Conclusion & Afterforward, & Keen, Solutions

Oct

1 class 11
In Class: Exam 1: Convergence Culture

6 class 12
Exam 2: Cult of the Amateur
For future class: Listen to concept 3 audio file

8 class 13
No class today
For future class: Listen to concept 4 audio file

Fall break Oct 10-13

15 class 14
In Class: Concept 3 discussion and Concept 4 intro
Due by noon today: Concept application note, Concept 3
Due by midnight: Concept 4 application note
For future class: Listen to concept 5 & 6 audio files

20 class 15
In Class: Concept 4 discussion; Concepts 5 & 6
Due by 11 pm: Concept application note, Concept 5
For future class: Listen to concept 7 audio file

midterm grades due from instructors Oct 21

22 class 16
In Class: Concept 5 & 6 discussion; Concept 7
Due by noon today:Concept application note, Concept 6
For future class: Paper full sentence outline w/bib. Listen to concept 8 audio file

27 class 17
In Class: Concept 7 discussion; Concept 8
Due by noon today: Paper full sentence outline w/bib.
Due by 11 pm: Concept application note, Concept 7

29 class 18
In Class: Concept 8 discussion
Due by noon today: Concept application note, Concept 8

Nov

3 class 19
In Class: Concept Exam 1: Concepts 1-8
For future class: Listen to concepts 9 & 10 audio files

5 class 20
In Class: Concepts 9 & 10
Due by noon today:Concept application note, Concept 9
Due by 11 pm: Concept application note, Concept 10
For future class: listen to concepts 11 & 12 audio files

10 class 21
Concepts 9 & 10 discussion; Concepts 11 & 12
Due by noon today: Concept application note, Concept 11
Due by 11 pm: Concept application note, Concept 12
For future class: listen to concepts 13 & 14 audio files

12 class 22
In Class: Concepts 11 & 12 discussion; Concept 13 & 14
Due by noon today: Concept application note Concept 13
Due by 11 pm: Concept application note, Concept 14
For future class: Paper rough draft, w/bib.

17 class 23
In Class: Concepts 13 & 14 discussion
Due by noon today: Paper rough draft, w/bib

19 class 24
In Class: Concept Exam 2: Concepts 9-14
For future class: listen to Concepts 15 & 16 audio files

24 class 25 Concepts 15 & 16
Due by noon today: Concept application note Concept 15
Due by 11 pm: Concept application note, Concept 16
For future class: listen to Concepts 17 & 18 audio files

Thanksgiving break Nov. 25-29

Dec.

1 class 26
In Class: Concepts 15 & 16 discussion; Concepts 17 & 18
Due by noon today: Concept application note Concept 17
Due by 11 pm: Concept application note, Concept 18
For future class: listen to Concepts 19 & 20 audio files

3 class 27
In Class: Concepts 19 & 20 discussion
Due by noon today: Concept application note Concept 19
Due by 11 pm: Concept application note, Concept 20

8 class 28
In Class: Final Paper Due

15 (Tuesday 2:30-4:30) Final Exam: Concepts 15-20

The Digital Environment: Taking the Long View

1. Mediums and Content Interact with Mutual Effects
2.Predictions about new media are often misguided

Technological developments for digital environnments

3. About Bits
4. Design Matters

Implementing technological
developments

5. As in good baking: Changes in the dominant media in a culture take time and the proper conditions.
6. Medium Survival Principles
7. Bit protection
8. The Advantages Gap

Social developments from digital
environments

9.Reshaping Our Social Environment
10.Control over & Participation in Information is Power

Ontological implications

11. New Media, Ancient Humans, Old Brains
12. The Cartesian Split
13. Tools/Technologies/artifacts transform reality
14. The Media Equation
15. Representational Fears

Epistemological implications

16. Epistemological Changes
17. Four accounts I: Digital Oscillation and Resolution
18. Four accounts II: Chaos Theories
19. Four accounts III: The Dynamics of Complex Systems
20. Four accounts IV: Quantum Theories