Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CMNS 221 D100

Media and Popular Cultures (3)

Class Number: 2935

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on communication for social change; historical and contemporary perspectives in consumer culture; technology, media and popular culture; media and identity; and communication as public education.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to and survey of the study of popular culture and communication, with a specific focus on the social and cultural dimensions of media texts, industries, and audiences. The course examines theoretical approaches to understanding critical issues and controversies in media, society and popular culture. A broad range of themes will structure our investigation, including: communication and social change; citizenship, media and culture; the rise of industrial capitalism and the emergence of consumer cultures; controversies and practices of technology in media cultures; theories of mass culture and society; the nature and role of audiences in contemporary media culture; the dominance of visual/image culture in contemporary life; problems in relation to modernism, postmodernism and popular culture; globalization; media, identities and urban life; and communication as public education. Besides course readings, we will also look closely at various films, television shows, popular music, memes, and other forms of visual culture as part of our investigation.

Due to COVID-19, the first two weeks of CMNS 221 will be delivered remotely in a synchronous format. In the event that SFU extends the online period, further instructions will be provided via email.

Grading

  • Tutorial Attendance and Participation 15%
  • Midterm #1 - February 10 20%
  • Pop Culture Analysis Outline - due February 18 10%
  • Midterm #2 - March 17 20%
  • Pop Culture Analysis Paper - due April 8 35%

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). For further information see: www.sfu.ca/policies/Students/index.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available digitally in the ‘files’ section on Canvas. Videos and audio resources are available online. Links will be provided on 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.