Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CMNS 486 D100

Special Topics in Communication (4)

Communication & Sexuality

Class Number: 3142

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2021
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Depends on topic; published before enrollment.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intensive analysis of a particular topic in the general area of communication and/or attention to the work of a particular writer or school of thought. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores sex and sexuality as communication practices and mediated experiences by considering a range of texts and topics related to the intersection of communication studies and sexuality studies. We will consider how normative understandings of sexuality are produced and reinforced through media technologies, and we will explore how queer media practices challenge these norms and offer alternative modes for understanding communication, mediation, and technology. Topics we will explore: social media; hookup and dating apps; porn; gaming; censorship and content moderation; HIV; online sex work; and queer approaches to thinking about data and code, amongst others. Our course approaches sexuality as inextricable from forms of social difference including but not limited to race, gender, class, and able-bodiedness.

The course will primarily be held asynchronously, with synchronous options that are not required.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Gain a grounding in basic concepts in sexuality studies, and conceptual skills for understanding the ways in which sexuality is mediated.
  2. Develop skills reading and thinking about theory.
  3. Practise advanced research and project development skills.

Grading

  • Discussion Posts 20%
  • Reading Responses 30%
  • Research Proposal 20%
  • Research Project 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course readings will be made available as PDFs through the course CANVAS site.

REQUIRED READING:

Course readings will be made available as PDFs through the course CANVAS site.


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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

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).