Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CMNS 110 OL01

Introduction to Communication Studies (3)

Class Number: 7787

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Mar 30, 2022
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

    Apr 14, 2022
    Thu, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to selected theories about human communication. This course is required for a major, honours or minor in communication. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

The aim of this course is to provide a general introduction to a range of theories that seek to explain why we communicate as we do. The first part of the course establishes a general overview of communication theory, from both theoretical and historical points of view. We will examine the relationship between communication and social consciousness, identity development, and communication as a symbolic and performative act. The second part of the course will focus on specific fields within the area of communication, including: the study of popular culture, media analysis, advertising, journalism, and the political economy of communication. Throughout the course we will also examine the rise of technology studies in communication and consider the ways in which electronic media (including social media) have refashioned both human consciousness and culture. In this context, we will discuss issues of privacy and democracy in the emerging digital culture.

Broad Course Themes:

  • Socialization, media and identity formation - performative aspects of communication
  • Mass/consumer culture and mass communication - the rise of popular culture
  • Media, technology and society - “We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us”
  • Mediation and issues with representations of race, gender, and sexuality: “The danger of a single story”

Course instruction will be delivered as asynchronous video lectures. All lectures will be recorded and be made available to students on Canvas.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Our main goal is to critically assess the images and messages of contemporary media.
How do they create meaning? Do they enlarge our understanding of the world, or influence us to think about it in increasingly narrow ways?

By the end of this course students should be able to:

  • Critically assess media environments and communication strategies, in order to better understand how they might influence us to think about issues
  • Identify and summarize major theories in communication
  • Demonstrate critical thinking in their media analysis and writing assignments in order to challenge their own assumptions, and question social norms and what appears as “common sense” in media and society
  • Demonstrate understanding of what types of questions are asked in communication studies when undertaking research in the discipline
  • Create materials, such as papers, assignments, presentations, or other artifacts, that incorporate communication theory and history

Grading

  • 4 short essays (1200 words, due weeks 4, 7, 10, 13) - each worth 20% for a total of... 80%
  • Final exam (take-home in week 13) 20%

NOTES:

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:

Pavlik, John V. & McIntosh, S. (2018). Converging media: A new introduction to mass communication (6th edition). Oxford University Press.
(e-edition is available through SFU Bookstore)


ISBN: 9780190646653

Additional readings and videos will be made available on the course Canvas page.


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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.