Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMNS 110 D100

Introduction to Communication Studies (3)

Class Number: 4850

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–4:20 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:

 (Detailed weekly topics will be distributed on Canvas in the first week of classes.)

  • 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

  • Mid-Term Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 25%
  • Term Paper 35%
  • Tutorial Participation 15%

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.
 
NOTE -- Tutorials and Labs do not start in Week 1 (5-9 January 2026) -- unless specified by the Instructor.  If your tutorial/Lab is scheduled to occur prior to your first lecture/seminar -- please check with the course Canvas page, or with your Instructor (via email), to find out if you will have a tutorial/Lab in the first week of Spring Semester 2026.   If your tutorial/Lab occurs after the first lecture/seminar, then just ask in the first lecture/seminar whether or not there will be tutorials/Labs during Week 1.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Rodriguez, Amardo (2020), Introducing Communication: Perspectives, Assumptions, and Implications. University of Toronto Press (eText).
ISBN: 9781487535667

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

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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.