Overview
Virtually all we know about the world and our economic, political, and social lives beyond our immediate senses comes to us through the media. Media and other information providers—including libraries, archives, and museums—are recognized as being central to democracy, cultural dialogue, and good governance because they foster diversity and democratic debates, promote peace and sustainable development, and are essential sources of information and knowledge.
Media and information literacy (MIL) is an umbrella term that encompasses various and evolving competencies required to navigate today’s increasingly complex communications environment. Such competencies include the ability to understand information for public good; the ability to engage with information, media, and digital communications for participation in sustainable development; and the ability to seek and enjoy the full benefits of fundamental human rights. Anyone interested in critical skills for navigating today’s media landscape will benefit from knowledge of MIL.
Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Media and Information Literacy
Unit 2: Using MIL to Make Sense of the News
Unit 3: Freedom of Expression as a Cornerstone of MIL
Unit 4: Representation and Race in MIL
Unit 5: MIL and the Problem of Misinformation and Disinformation
Unit 6: MIL in the Digital Age: Privacy and Online Safety
Unit 7: An MIL Approach to Artificial Intelligence
Unit 8: Decolonizing Media Cultures: Indigenous Media
Unit 9: Media and Information Audiences and Global Citizenship
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
All the course materials are available online and include a Course Information, a Study Guide, and readings in the Digital Reading Room (DRR).
Evaluation
To receive credit for CMNS 335, you must complete and submit all of the assignments. You must achieve an overall grade of at least D (50 percent) for the course.
You will be evaluated on your understanding of the concepts presented in the course and on your ability to apply those concepts. Your final grade in the course will be based on the marks achieved for the following activities.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Study Questions and Activities (Units 1–4) | 20% |
| Assignment 2: Study Questions and Activities (Units 5–9) | 25% |
| Assignment 3: Learning Object | 25% |
| Assignment 4: Research Paper | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you 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 about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the CMNS 335 challenge registration, you must complete all required components and achieve an overall grade of at least D (50 percent).
Challenge for credit course registration form