An overview of media technologies, including print, photography, motion pictures, advertising and public relations, telegraph and telephone, radio, television, computers, Internet, and globalisation. The course will examine the technical development of each technology, the function of each, and the impact each had on the cultures adopting it.

This course explores basic concepts of new media, as well as the role digital media (aka “new media”) technologies play in society. Throughout the course, students will explore the evolution of digital media technologies, as well as their impact on economics, politics, communication, and community. The course also examines key moments in computing and media history, to gain a perspective on the nature of technological innovation and change. This is an interdisciplinary course that includes communication, computer science, law, political science, history and economics.

Students will use digital media technology throughout the course, providing them with practical experience with new media. To apply the art of new media design, students will work in small groups to plan, design and create new media content.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Outline the various media technologies in mass communication, their history and evolution.
• Discuss the impact of technology, technological changes on media and its output.
• Critically review media content in the context of how technology and its output, shapes reality.