The application of digital media solutions in the real world gives rise to many interesting and complex dynamics, requiring digital media professionals to carefully analyze the impact of their work. The Foundations of Digital Media course aids the development of a framework that students can use to critically analyze digital media solutions through different lenses - social, ethical, legal and business. The emergence and ongoing development of the digital media industries is discussed through a historical exploration and critical analysis of the economics, technical innovations, social demands and ethical constraints that define them.
Special focus is given to the business aspects of developing a new product, and assignments encourage students to think through factors that determine the success of digital media products, and articulate these to stakeholders.
Common legal, social and ethical issues related to digital media are discussed, and relevant and noteworthy case studies are studied.