New Media and Communication (English) Preview
Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code:

UNI309

Course Name:

Introduction to Metaverse

Semester:

Fall

Course Credits:

ECTS

Language of instruction:

English

Course Condition:

Does the Course Require Work Experience?:

Type of course:

University Elective

Course Level:

Bachelor

TR-NQF-HE:6. Master`s Degree

QF-EHEA:First Cycle

EQF-LLL:6. Master`s Degree

Mode of Delivery:

E-Learning

Course Coordinator:

Prof. Dr. HATİCE ÖZ PEKTAŞ

Course Lecturer(s):

Michael Barngrover

Course Assistants:

Course Objective and Content

Course Objectives:

The main objective of the course is to develop within students an understanding of the core components of the metaverse and an awareness of its potential impacts on society. By the end of the class, students will possess developed ethical positions on many of the important metaverse topics.

Course Content:

The course introduces fundamental elements that form the foundation of various conceptualizations of “The Metaverse”. Topics to be presented and discussed include shared spatialization, digital mediation of reality, socialization, and assigning value to digital objects. The course will devote significant time to discussions of ethics and the impacts that digitization will have on non-digital aspects of society. Students will be required to research and write several essays throughout the course and design a metaverse scenario as a final group project.

Online class sessions will frequently take place inside of 2D and 3D “metaverse platforms”. Students will be expected to know how to use their keyboard and mouse/touchpad to navigate these spaces and to use their microphone effectively.

This is not a course focused on cryptographic topics. Blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs will not be the focus of the course, although these subjects will be included in discussions of metaverse economics and concepts of ownership.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1) Understand the concept and components of the Metaverse.
2) Understand the role and impact of avatars in the Metaverse learning environment.
3) Explore tools and modalities for synchronous learning in the Metaverse.
4) Address accessibility and equity considerations in designing inclusive Metaverse learning experiences
5) analyze the impact of diverse perspectives and cultures on Metaverse learning.

Course Flow Plan

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	he concept and the evolving dynamics of Metaverse
2)	origins of metaverse and its impact on various industries
3)	understanding the Metaverse's interactive digital environments, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)
4)	understanding the Metaverse's interactive digital environments, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)_2
5)	ethical, legal, and privacy considerations related to Metaverse
6)	leveraging Metaverse for business growth, virtual reality, gaming and social interactions_1
7)	leveraging Metaverse for business growth, virtual reality, gaming and social interactions_2
8)	midterm week
9)	3D modeling, programming, blockchain understanding, virtual reality integration, and AR development
10)	concepts of dataspace management, virtual economies, digital asset creation, and setting up interactive experiences
11)	future possibilities and innovations in the Metaverse ecosystem
12)	Student presentations
13)	Student presentations
14)	Student presentations
15)	final week
16)	final week

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:	Readings to be assigned and provided in class Access to VR headsets and library of VR experiences Computers capable of opening webVR sites
References:	Readings to be assigned and provided in class Access to VR headsets and library of VR experiences Computers capable of opening webVR sites

Course - Program Learning Outcome Relationship

Course Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
Program Outcomes
1) Identify and describe the foundations and characteristics of both traditional and new media.
2) Critically engage in and apply media studies scholarship.
3) Develop new/digital media literacy competencies and critically analyze new/digital media contents.
4) Develop technical skills in both traditional and digital media production.
5) Produce media contents which are sensitive to and respect cultural diversity.
6) Demonstrate creative writing skills in various writing genres, including both writing for and about the media.
7) Develop computer skills and use software applications related to new/digital media design and production.
8) Work effectively as an individual and a part of a team, acting responsibly and respectfully to complete various types of creative projects.
9) Demonstrate skills in mentorship, leadership, management, and entrepreneurship in the media sector.
10) Develop a “signature work” and engage in local and/or international media sectors and non-profit organizations.
11) Acquire foreign language skills to effectively communicate and work in international and cross-cultural settings.
12) Acquire interpersonal skills and effectively communicate in professional settings.
13) Identify the structures, trends, technological developments and issues related to new media and carry out artistic and creative activities and projects that correspond to social needs.
14) Conduct media practice within national and international legal frameworks.
15) Become responsible media practitioners by adhering to media ethics and principles of democracy and human rights.

Course - Learning Outcome Relationship

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Average	3 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	Identify and describe the foundations and characteristics of both traditional and new media.	1
2)	Critically engage in and apply media studies scholarship.	2
3)	Develop new/digital media literacy competencies and critically analyze new/digital media contents.	2
4)	Develop technical skills in both traditional and digital media production.	2
5)	Produce media contents which are sensitive to and respect cultural diversity.	2
6)	Demonstrate creative writing skills in various writing genres, including both writing for and about the media.	2
7)	Develop computer skills and use software applications related to new/digital media design and production.	2
8)	Work effectively as an individual and a part of a team, acting responsibly and respectfully to complete various types of creative projects.	2
9)	Demonstrate skills in mentorship, leadership, management, and entrepreneurship in the media sector.	2
10)	Develop a “signature work” and engage in local and/or international media sectors and non-profit organizations.	2
11)	Acquire foreign language skills to effectively communicate and work in international and cross-cultural settings.	2
12)	Acquire interpersonal skills and effectively communicate in professional settings.	2
13)	Identify the structures, trends, technological developments and issues related to new media and carry out artistic and creative activities and projects that correspond to social needs.	2
14)	Conduct media practice within national and international legal frameworks.	2
15)	Become responsible media practitioners by adhering to media ethics and principles of democracy and human rights.	2

Assessment & Grading

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Project	1	% 40
Midterms	1	% 30
Final	1	% 30
total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 70
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 30
total		% 100

Workload and ECTS Credit Calculation

Activities	Number of Activities	Workload
Course Hours	14	42
Study Hours Out of Class	14	14
Project	5	21
Midterms	3	21
Final	3	21
Total Workload		119