Spring 2025 - CMNS 801 G100
Design and Methodology in Communication Research (5)
Class Number: 1416
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:00–4:50 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Katherine Reilly
kreilly@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A survey course which examines the problems, methods and theoretical assumptions in communication research using case studies of research design and methods. Students may design a research project and conduct a small pilot study in a selected area. Normally offered in the spring term and expected in the first year of graduate study.
COURSE DETAILS:
In this course we will address communications as an epistemic practice, both in how we think about knowledge production in the field of communications studies, and in how we "do knowledge" as communicators. We will address knowledge production in communications using a contemplative approach that foregrounds acceptance, respect, curiosity and exploration. Everyone will take up a preoccupation during the course, including the instructor, and class time will be dedicated to working through how we each choose to address our theme. To this end, each week is organized around a question that each of us will try to answer about our own work.
Grading
- TCPS-2 Certificate 0%
- Research Diary 20%
- Exploration of a Methodological Approach 20%
- Presentation about a Research Tool 20%
- First Draft of Project Proposal 40%
NOTES:
The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relationship to established university-wide practices. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 with regard to Student Discipline. For further information visit: www.sfu.ca/policies/Students/index.html
REQUIREMENTS:
We will have a full in-person class on January 10. Readings will be circulated ahead of time.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All course materials are available virtually or via the SFU Library. Last year’s syllabus is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1goDEtOed_T9rGWqDtdyTL6d7JmcmXYX5bfgbObH3MaE/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.tmpqygpzgtfd. This year’s syllabus, which will be made available in early January, will broadly follow this model, but will be updated with new readings.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.