SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

CMNS 130-3

EXPLORATIONS IN MASS COMMUNICATION

This course is an introduction to the study of mass communication, with a specific focus on the Canadian context. We will examine the structure, institutions and processes of mass communication from social, political, economic, cultural and technological perspectives. Focusing on television, radio, the press, and new communications technologies, the course introduces key issues and debates over the power of the media. A wide range of theoretical approaches related to policy, political economy, society and technology are explored. The main goal of the course is to understand, analyze and critically assess the role of mass communication and mass media in socialization, public opinion formation, and social change.

Topics to be covered include: Communication and Society; Mass Communication, the Mass Media, Public Communications and Modern Society; Media, Culture and Politics; Media Content; Media and Audiences; Communication Law and Policy; the Structure and Role of Ownership; Journalists as Content Producers; Communications Technology and Society; Globalization; Communication in a Digital Age.
Course texts and readings (required):

1) A Courseware Reader will be available from the bookstore
2) Rowland Lorimer and Mike Gasher. Mass Communication in Canada, 4th ed. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press. 2001.

Suggested Readings:

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

1) P. Attalah and L.R. Shade. Mediascapes: New Patterns in Canadian Communication. Toronto: Thomson/Nelson, 2001
2) Michelle Martin. Communication, and Mass Media: Culture, Domination and Opposition. Scarborough: Prentice Hall Allyn and Bacon, 1997.
3) C. McKie and B.D. Singer. Communications in Canadian Society, 5th ed. Toronto: Thomson Educational Publishing, 2001.

Evaluation:

Tutorial (participation and presentations) 15%
Mid-term examination (in class Week 6) 25%
Term Paper (due Week 11, beginning of tutorial) 30%
Final scheduled examination (TBA) 30%

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.