Spring 2018 - CMNS 304W D100
Communication in Everyday Life (4)
Class Number: 12145
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Terry Neiman
terryn@sfu.ca
604-266-7227
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Prerequisites:
45 units, including one of CMNS 220, 221, 223, 223W, 235.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of a range of theories of everyday language focused on specific forms of discursive practice, including gossip, humour, religion, and sarcasm. Students with credit for CMNS 304 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
COURSE DETAILS:
Overview:
CMNS 304W examines how language and culture affect each other in everyday life. We will apply the basics of discourse analysis in a series of exercises in lectures, tutorials, and homework. Among the topics we will consider are: the meanings of signs and symbols; logic and grammar in speaking and writing; gender and language; philosophy and the politics of science; dialogue and negotiation; and the needless complexity of academic and business jargon.
The course focuses on writing skills, and on understanding texts. Text – defined broadly –includes literature, music, visual arts, and social and political communication. Students will propose, plan, draft, and edit a research paper that makes meaningful use of the course readings. The reading selections will be posted on Canvas. Students may choose to write a research paper that prepares them for an academic career, or one that prepares them for non-academic work. The emphasis will be on writing in plain, concise language.
Students may use books, notes, and computers with Internet access on tests. Tests will not require students to recall facts. Tests will require students to show - through clear, concise writing - that they can solve problems by applying course concepts.
This is a writing-intensive course.
*Students who began their degrees in Fall 2006 onwards must successfully complete at least two (W) courses, at least one of which must be upper division, within the student’s discipline. It is strongly recommended that students take one (W) course as early as possible, preferably in their first 30 units. Students are required to complete their first (W) course within their first 60 units. Each (W) course must be at least 3 units, and achieve at least a C- grade.
Grading
- Attendance and Participation 20%
- Essay, Proposal, and Term Paper Drafts 50%
- In-class and Take-home Writing Assignments 30%
NOTES:
A minimum CGPA of 2.25, and 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:
Required 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