Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - CMNS 304W D100

Communication in Everyday Life (4)

Class Number: 3563

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2019
    Fri, 6:30–6:35 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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. Structured around a hypothetical day in a person’s life, this course will apply discourse analysis to “texts” that we encounter in our daily lives. “Text” defined broadly ­includes literature, music, visual arts, humour and satire, and social and political communication.  The topics we will consider include (but are not limited to): the meanings of signs and symbols; interpersonal communication; gender, race/ethnicity and language; intercultural communication; the politics of science; religious discourse; and workplace jargon.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Weekly journal 20%
  • Paper proposal 5%
  • First paper draft 20%
  • Final paper 20%
  • Take-home final exam 20%
  • *To be confirmed in class

NOTES:

This is a writing-intensive course.

The course focuses on writing skills, and on understanding texts through lectures, tutorials, and assignments.

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.

REQUIREMENTS:

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 with regard to 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://www.sfu.ca/students/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