Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - CMNS 230 E100

The Cultural Industries in Canada: Global Context (3)

Class Number: 3492

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2017
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 130.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

What do we mean when we talk about the 'cultural industries' today? This course explores the business structure and economics of the cultural sectors, the regulatory and policy frameworks, and their social and cultural contexts. Students are encouraged to develop, compare and contrast at least two sectors from the audio, print or visual industries. While the primary focus is on the Canadian case, students will be encouraged to look at other countries. Overriding themes explore the following: relationships between public and private sectors; independent and commercial creators; rights of creators versus distributors; specialty and general media; indigenous and global contents.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:

This course provides an overview of the cultural industries that create and circulate meaning in Canada.  The history of national cultural policy, and the evolution of the media industries serve as a useful entry point to understand the changes in the circuits of global entertainment media.  The course introduces the range of theoretical, legal and policy perspectives that are used to understand the economics of the cultural industries.  Emphasis will be placed upon understanding current developments in three selected media industries -- sound recording, film, and TV, and videogames -- in relation to historical narratives about the struggle for sustainable cultural production; and the demand for choice and balance between consumer and collective citizen interests in the diversity of cultural expression in Canada, and around the world.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Objectives:

-   Introduce key concepts and theoretical approaches to the study of media and cultural industries.
-   Provide a conceptual framework that can be applied to selected Canadian industries, the international context, and extrapolated to other sectors.
-   Provide an overview of the institutional ecology for the media industries in Canada.
-   Enable students to begin career-focused research into the media industries in Canada, while identifying the relevant problematics in political economy and cultural studies for future learning.  

Grading

  • To be confirmed in class.
  • Cultural Event Reflection 10%
  • Case Study 30%
  • Tutorial Presentation (Team) 15%
  • Tutorial Participation (Individual) 15%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

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 S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline.  [Note: as of May 1, 2009 the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02), and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies.]

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Havens, Timothy and Amanda D. Lotz, Understanding Media Industries (2nd edition). New York: Oxford University Press, 2016.  


ISBN: 9780190215323

Other readings will be available on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS