.: NM Level 2000 Modules Information

NM2101 Theories of Communications and New Media
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-2-5
Preclusion: IF2101

This is a foundational course introducing students to theories and analytical frameworks essential for understanding developments in communications and new media. Students will be introduced to, amongst others, media effects theory, media representations, semiotics, systems theory, agenda-setting theory and computer-mediated communication.

NM2102 Communications and New Media Research
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4
Pre-requisite: NM2101

This module is to help students understand what is research (more specifically, how you develop testable research questions and hypotheses), how to conduct the research and how to interpret the results. It covers basic concepts in research design, instrumentation, data collection, and data analysis. Related topics on validity, reliability, and ethical issues in conducting research are also covered. While the main focus remains on the research methods, this module also introduces basic concepts of statistics such as descriptive statistics, sampling distribution, hypothesis testing. Basic levels of parametric and non parametric statistics are also introduced. A set of computer lab assignments will give students extensive opportunity to become familiar with the SPSS computer software package and experience at computing the various statistics reviewed in the class.

NM2201 Intercultural Communication
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-2-5
Preclusion: IF2201

This module focuses on intercultural and inter-personal communication. Managing intercultural communication in the business context will be emphasised, exploring issues such as ethnocentrism, conflict and negotiation in intercultural settings and the impact of new media on intercultural communication.

NM2202 Governance and Information Technology
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-2-5
Preclusion: IF2202

The module covers how information is gathered and analysed in the making and implementation of government policy, and the application of information technology to these processes. The module then considers how information and feedback on government policy can be disseminated via computer mediated networks. It also considers the legal controls exercised by government and constraints encountered in dealing with information technology, and the implications of information technology for the nature of democracy and quality of governance. For CNM, FASS and SoC students.

NM2209 Social Psychology of New Media
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-2-5
Preclusion: IF2209

Theories of social psychology can be applied to our understanding of how new media is produced, marketed, resisted, adopted and consumed. This module highlights these key stages in the developmental trajectory of new media and introduces relevant theories, while considering issues such as why some technologies succeed where others fail, how marketers should promote new technology, which services are likely to become tomorrow's killer applications and what goes through the minds of new media adopters.

NM2210 Aesthetics of New Media
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-2-2-3
Preclusion: IF2210 or CS1240

One of the main notions that brings contemporary art and information technologies together is that of interactivity. This module seeks to explore this crucial element of new media art in its historic precedents and contemporary manifestations by relying heavily on critical engagements with it and its new exhibition strategies. The following aspects of new media art will be accentuated: interactivity; human-machine interfaces; technological embodiments; Internet technologies and programming; and exhibition strategies. For CNM, FASS and SoC students.

NM2216 Introduction to Interactive Media Design
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4

This is a foundational course introducing students to theories and analytical frameworks essential for understanding the design of interactive digital media. Students will learn about the latest advances in interactive digital media -- as well as relevant theoretical innovations and research problems in media studies, interactivity, interface, human-machine interaction, and cognitive science.

NM2217 Creating Interactive Media
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-2-0-3-3
Pre-requisite: NM2216

This module teaches students how to create interactivity through "old" and "new" media and critically explores creations in text and hypertext, interactive narrative as well as the transition from textual to visual-based communications, both on-line (net-communities, blogging) and off-line (sound interactions, incorporation of body into new media through motion capture, etc). Students will apply their knowledge by creating content specific to interactive media. Though students will be exposed to various content creation tools, the module targets conceptual rigour and critical understanding of the content, thus positioning the creation of interactive media within the arts and social sciences domain.

NM2219 Principles of Communication Management
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4

This module is designed to introduce students to the field of communication management and to the organizational, societal and legal contexts in which the profession takes place. Emphasis is placed on ethics, social responsibility, the role of mass communication in the formation of public opinion, the role of organizational communication in democracy, the global practices of communication management and major influences that affect organizational behaviour. This is the foundation module for students pursuing careers in communication management.

NM2220 Introduction to Media Writing
Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-0-2-3-3

This introductory module provides instruction and practice in writing for the mass media, including the Internet. It explores the similarities and differences in writing styles for all mass media and for the professions of journalism, public affairs, public relations, advertising and telecommunications. It emphasizes accuracy, responsibility, clarity and style in presenting information through the various channels of mass communication. It surveys communication theories of various professions that communicate via the mass media, establishing the basis for advanced studies in writing and communication. It helps students acquire the writing skills they need in communication management careers.