Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - LBST 230 D100

Special Topics in Labour Studies (3)

Media, Popular Culture, and the Working Class

Class Number: 4976

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 14, 2020
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Instructor:

    Matthew Greaves
    mgreaves@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Tu 12:30-15:20 via Canvas (Blackboard Collaborate Ultra tab)

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A seminar devoted to the in-depth examination of a topic in Labour Studies not regularly offered by the Program. The course may be repeated for credit when different topics are offered.

COURSE DETAILS:

Media, Popular Culture, and the Working Class provides students with an introduction to theories of representation, focusing on working people in news media, narrative television, and film. The course begins by exploring core concepts in the political economy of representation, including but not limited to ideology, base/superstructure, social class, and mediation. In the second half of the course, students will work through case studies of working-class representation across different and sometimes emerging media.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students are expected to come away from the course with a working knowledge of key concepts in media theory and the ability to apply these concepts to representations of working people in popular culture.

Grading

  • Weekly questions 20%
  • Media journals 20%
  • Essay proposal 10%
  • Final essay 50%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

Students must have access to a computer with reliable internet access.

  1. Seminars: Lecture recordings will be uploaded to Canvas each Monday by 14:30 (Blackboard Collaborate Ultra tab)
  2. Online Day: Asynchronous

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Universal Access Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera, and internet access. Most laptops and desktops are running OSX and Windows. Tablets may be Android, iOS or Windows based. Headsets are advised but not necessary. Note that students have access to free Office 365 or Adobe Creative Cloud found here.

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available through Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.