Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - CMNS 310 J100

Media and Modernity (4)

Class Number: 5825

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Two of CMNS 210, 221, 240.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the social and cultural influences of media on western social thought with particular reference to the emergence of the concept of modernity. This includes a review of nineteenth and early twentieth century criticisms of modernity associated with romanticism, Marxism, cultural conservatism, fascism, and non-Western social thought.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:

This course will examine the social and cultural roles of media in relation to “modernity” in a global setting. The work of communication historians, philosophers, scholars of visual culture and other topics, from a range of scholarly backgrounds and national and indigenous origins will be consulted. Students will encounter a range of print, online and audiovisual materials. The course will encourage the development of a critical understanding of what “modernity” has meant in different parts of the world, in different periods, and from different social perspectives. The course will foster students’ ability to critically assess the configurations of, and influence of, the media in the social and economic relations and cultural norms understood (and debated) as “modernity”.

Grading

  • Group Project 15%
  • Attendance and Participation 5%
  • Mid-Term Test 20%
  • Final Test (In class) 30%
  • Research Paper (3000-4000 Words) 30%

NOTES:

The mid-term test and final in-class test will require students to write essay-style answers.  The instructor must approve the research paper topic.  Further specifications for the paper will be provided in the detailed course syllabus at the beginning of the semester.

REQUIREMENTS:

A minimum 2.25 CMNS CGPA and 2.00 overall CGPA, 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:

Course readings will be provided 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