MS 326

Credit: 3 hours.

Digital media is an immensely pervasive and powerful form of communication, one that despite its quick rise has yet to reach most of the world's population. This large lecture-based survey course for undergraduates will trace the history and formation of personal computing and the Internet, the development of virtual communities and virtual worlds, evolving forms of digital representation and communication, digital visual cultures, features of new media industries, and the rise of participatory media. Evaluation and assessment based on written exams, quizzes, class discussion in section, and practice-based assignments using new media technologies such as wikis, blogs, games, and digital video. Lectures will be held in an ITS classroom, and course material will be supported by small ITS-supported discussion sections. Emphasis on mastering key concepts of digital media theory and history, and critical discussion of distinctive features of digital media objects.