Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CMNS 202 D100

Design and Method in Qualitative Communication Research (4)

Class Number: 2951

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to interpretive approaches in communication inquiry. Topics include ethics, paradigms, conceptualizing the research process, documentary research, historical methods, discourse or textual analysis, ethnographic research, and performative research. Students with credit for CMNS 262 may not take CMNS 202 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course aims to provide students with tools to assess media and communication phenomena with critical thinking. Based on a recognition that our reality is socially constructed, students are expected to deconstruct these phenomena with proper qualitative methods including interviews, discourse analysis, observations, and documentary research, etc. In detail, students will learn how to choose particular theories, how to define the problem, how to select proper methods, and how to gather data, and how to interpret the results. Throughout the semester, students will be able to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative methodologies and traditions.  

By doing so, as researchers, students will understand the relationship between knowledge and power by practicing various methods. This is going to help them to uncover media and social phenomena which have been believed to be ‘common senses’ and ‘natural’ in our everyday life. In addition to this, students will be aware of research ethics and things that they have to consider when they conduct research.

Grading

  • Tutorial/Lab attendance and participation 10%
  • Weekly lab exercise 10%
  • 3 Assignments (20% each) 60%
  • 2 Quizzes (10% each) 20%

REQUIREMENTS:

At a minimum, you will need a computer or tablet that grants access to the Internet, Zoom, and SFU Canvas.

You will be required to download and use ‘NVivo 12’, a specialized software available from SFU Library website. 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All the readings will be provided 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 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.