Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMNS 202 D100

Design and Method in Qualitative Communication Research (4)

Class Number: 4970

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Jan 23, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 26 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 110 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:

Often when students think of research and data, they think of quantitative methods. However, qualitative approaches also have a strong tradition in the social sciences. Qualitative methods provide insight into the inner workings of social phenomena; in other words, they can help us understand how things work and why things are the way they are. This course aims to equip students with the necessary training to conduct qualitative communication research. Students will be introduced to qualitative research paradigms, ethical considerations, and best practices. Throughout the semester, students will work in small groups to learn how to plan and conduct communication research using qualitative methods, including interviewing, ethnography, and digital methods. Students will then learn to analyze qualitative data using thematic and textual analysis. Finally, students will produce a proposal for an original qualitative research project.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of research paradigms and qualitative research methods.
  • Explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of the researcher in communication studies.
  • Collect qualitative data using methods including interviewing, traditional ethnography, and digital ethnography.
  • Analyze qualitative data using thematic and textual analysis.
  • Develop a proposal for an original qualitative research project.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation in Lectures and Tutorials 25%
  • Research Lab Assignments (4 x 10%) 40%
  • Mid-Term Quiz 15%
  • Research Project Proposal (Final Project) 20%

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.

This course has a zero-tolerance policy for academic dishonesty or plagiarism. Cases of plagiarism will be entered in the CourSys platform and remain on your file. 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

Please note that you are expected to engage in professional behavior and communication: your academic standing is your responsibility. Take care to plan your term well and ask for help where needed ahead of time. There are a multitude of resources available to you in the library’s Learning Commons, e.g. writing help, tutoring, and referencing help. In the case of technological failure, the onus is on you to ensure the (right) assignment has been successfully submitted (online).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings will be made available on Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Recommended readings will be available either on Canvas or through Library Reserves.

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.