Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMNS 849 G100

Communication Research for Social Change (5)

Class Number: 4871

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    VANCOUVER

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to communication research methodologies utilizing an intersectional framework of analysis, with a focus on the knowledges developed with, by, and for movements for social justice.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to communication research, focusing on their potential to drive progressive social transformation.  At its core, the course challenges students to think critically about how communication shapes, reinforces, or disrupts societal power structures.  Through an intersectional framework, students will examine the ways in which communication practices intersect with issues of gender, sexuality, race, class, and other axes of identity and oppression.  This approach allows for an investigation of how multiple forms of privilege and marginalization operate simultaneously within media, discourse, and social interactions.

The course draws on a range of theoretical perspectives, including:  feminist theory, queer theory, critical race theory, decolonial thought, and participatory action research.  These frameworks will guide students in understanding how communication practices can both perpetuate systems of oppression and serve as tools for resistance and change.  Students will analyze real-world case studies that highlight how marginalized communities use communication to organize, resist, and reclaim power, from, for example, grassroots movements to large-scale digital campaigns.

On the methodological side, students will engage with a variety of research methods that are particularly suited for social change, including:  qualitative, participatory, community-based, and critical approaches.  Students will learn how to design projects that produce knowledge in such a way that challenges dominant narratives.  The course emphasizes ethics and reflexivity, encouraging students to consider their own positionality within the research process and to approach research as a collaborative, accountable practice.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to blend theory with practice (praxis) by developing their own research projects aimed at promoting activism, justice, and transformation.  This hands-on approach will equip them with the practical tools and critical thinking skills necessary to conduct socially impactful research.  Ultimately, the course fosters interdisciplinary thinking, drawing connections between communication studies and other fields, and prepares students to apply their learning in diverse professional, academic, and community contexts.

Grading

  • Seminar Attendance and Participation 40%
  • Project Proposal 40%
  • Project Proposal Presentation 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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings will be available on Canvas.

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

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.