School of Communication

CMNS 130-3

 

Catherine Murray	Fall 2002
RCB 6233; 604-291-5322	Burnaby Day
Email: murraye@sfu.ca

Explorations In Mass Communications: Issues and Controversies

This course introduces the basic structure, institutions and processes of the media, popular culture and society in Canada. A wide range of theories, practices and controversies over the power of the media are explored. For non majors, the intent is to introduce the debates between regulation and freedom of expression in the dominant commercial or public, not for profit realms today. For majors, this course will introduce the different theoretical approaches traversing policy, political economy, society and technology. Students will be expected to master basic concepts in the study of mass communications and the design of arguments and organization of proof in their short papers.

Required Text:

Custom Courseware is available in the bookstore.

Recommended Texts:

There are a number of recommended supplementary sources available on reserve or through the bookstore to supplement the courseware. These include:

P. Attalah and L.R. Shade (2001) Mediascapes: New Patterns in Canadian Communication, Toronto: Thomson/Nelson. ISBN 0-17-604203-2
R. Lorimer and M. Gasher (2000), Mass Communication in Canada 4th edition. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford. ISBN 0-19-541528-0
Michelle Martin (1997), Communication, and Mass Media: Culture, Domination and Opposition. Scarborough: Prentice Hall Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0-13-376807-4.
C. McKie and B.D. Singer(2001) Communications in Canadian Society, 5th ed. Toronto: Thomson Educational Publishing. ISBN 1-55077-118-3.

These sources will be useful in the preparation for debates, or for course essays. Select any one and stick with it for supplementary reading around either lecture topics, seminar discussions or debates, and final essays as needed.

Grade Requirements:

Tutorial Attendance 5% (Note: tutorials start in Week 2)
Tutorial Participation 15% (includes debate/presentations)
Mid Term Week 6 25% (October 10,2002)
Final Exam 25% (Date To Be Announced)
Essay 30% (Due November 14, 2002)

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the School will follow Policy T10.02 with respect to “Intellectual Honesty” and “Academic Discipline” (see the current Calendar, General Regulations section).
NOTE: TUTORIALS START IN THE SECOND WEEK OF CLASSES.