Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - CMNS 423 E100

Globalization: Cultural Issues (4)

Class Number: 7560

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Wed, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    75 units including CMNS 221 or 223 (or 223W); and two CMNS upper division courses; and CGPA of 3.00 or higher.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the cultural dimension of global flows of capital and data, comparing, on the one hand, the consequences of increased mobility and, on the other hand, the drive towards increased control and immobility of displaced populations. Examines how the tightening of national boundaries and economic and political processes of globalization have left populations "placeless" whether because of war, environmental disaster, etc. Looks at the ways in which these groups make sense of their displacement and immobility through narratives, stories and images, focusing on issues of power and the destruction of social life. Students who have taken CMNS 487 in terms 1051, 1057 and 1081 cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:

What happens to diverse world cultures amidst the transnational movement of capital, and the expansion of technical networks that facilitate increased flows of commodities, people, information and images?  This course explores the cultural dimensions of these global flows; comparing the consequences of increased mobility and the drive towards increased control and immobility of displaced populations. We will explore the ways in which culture travels, in multiple directions, across increasingly porous borders and boundaries, and how we make meaning of cultures in these shifting contexts. We will study the rise of populist nationalisms, Islamophobia, cultural racism, and the moral panics that have surrounded the movement of non-European and/or racialized migrants and refugees across European and North American borders.

Grading

  • Seminar Participation 15%
  • Seminar Presentations 20%
  • Mid-Term Take-Home Exam 20%
  • Research Paper Proposal 10%
  • Research Paper 35%

NOTES:

Approval as a communication student is required for entry into most communication upper division courses.

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:

Readings will be provided 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