Communication Studies (CMNS) 321

Overview

Computing in Everyday Life surveys the psychological and sociological impact of computers on the people who use them. The course situates the computer in the history of mediated communication by examining such key factors in computer-mediated communication as artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and the Internet. Implications of these factors for the nature of human experience with computers are then explored in selected applied units on the cellphone, augmented reality, video games, and health information. Students have ample opportunity to connect theory and actual experience through online research and discussion.

Outline

Core Units

• Unit 1: Overview
• Unit 2: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Unit 3: Virtual Reality (VR) and Robotics
• Unit 4: The Internet

Application Units

• Unit 5: Cell Phones
• Unit 6: Augmented Reality: Portability, Accessibility, and Wearability
• Unit 7: Video Games
• Unit 8: Health Information and Disabilities: Computer Applications

Evaluation

To receive credit for CMNS 321, you must complete all assignments and the exam and achieve a minimum composite course grade of "D" (50 percent). The chart below summarizes the course activities and the credit weight associated with each.

Assignment #1: Online discussion (5 posts at 2% each)	Assignment #2: Experiential/Academic Reports (5 reports at 12% each)	Final Exam	Total
10%	60%	30%	100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Note: Weighting in grouped-study offerings may be altered to accommodate a classwork component.

Course Materials

All course materials for CMNS 321 are available online.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the CMNS 321 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least “D” (50 percent) on the examination.

Take home exam	Exam	Total
50%	50%	100%

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form

Current Grouped Study Locations

Note: All courses are subject to approval and availability

Institution	Contact	Dates	Delivery	Status
Medicine Hat College	Donna Miller 403 504 2209 dmiller@athabascau.ca	From:  May-01-2013 To:  Jun-30-2013	Study Circle + Online  Cross-listed with HSRV 321 CRN 7836	Cancelled