Summer 2024 - CMNS 110 OL01
Introduction to Communication Studies (3)
Class Number: 1892
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
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 aspect 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-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
- Communication self-audit and digital detox 10%
- Midterm exam 30%
- Annotated bibliography 20%
- Final exam 30%
- Participation in weekly online discussions 10%
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
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
All lectures and discussion threads will be available in the corresponding module every Monday at 9 am
REQUIRED READING:
Pavlik, John V. & McIntosh, Shawn (2018). Converging media: A new introduction to mass communication (6th edition). New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780190646653
You can rent or buy the textbook online here: https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/converging-media-keith-chasse-v9780197545614?term=9780190646653Links to an external site.
ISBN: 9780190646653
RECOMMENDED READING:
Supplementary readings, videos, and other materials will be made available in each module
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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