SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

CMNS 130-3

 

Catherine Murray                                                                                        Fall 2004

RCB 6233; 604-291-5322                                                                             Burnaby Day

Email: murraye@sfu.ca

 

EXPLORATIONS IN MASS COMMUNICATION

This course introduces the basic structure, institutions and processes of the media and popular culture in Canada. Central 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 contained in policy, political economy, society and technology streams in the program. All students will be expected to master basic concepts in the study of mass communications; the design of arguments and the organization of written proof in their short papers. * This course is a university designated writing course.

 

Required Text:

 

Custom Courseware.

 

Recommended Texts: (one of)

 

Augie Fleras. 2003. Mass Communication in Canada.  Toronto: Nelson.

 

Rowland Lorimer and Michael Gasher. 2004. Mass Communication in Canada. Don Mills: Oxford University Press.

 

Grade Requirements:

 

Tutorial Attendance                                           5%     (Note: tutorials start in Week 2)

Article Analysis (Week 3)                               15%    

Creative Commentary (week 7)                       15%

Peer Reviews (Week 10 & 13)                        10%

Final Essay (Week 11)                                    30%

Final Exam                                                      25%     (Sunday, 12 Dec. 12-3 p.m.)

 

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 ÒIntellectual HonestyÓ and ÒAcademic DisciplineÓ (see the current Calendar, General Regulations section).

 

NOTE:  TUTORIALS START IN THE SECOND WEEK OF CLASSES.