Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - CMNS 347 D100

Communication in Conflict and Intervention (4)

Class Number: 3515

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units including CMNS 110 and 130. Recommended: CMNS 247 and 362.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The role of communication, and in particular the mass media, in various types of conflict and the uses of communication-based strategies in the intervention, arbitration and mediation of those conflicts.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:

This course is an introduction to the role of communication in various types of conflict, and the uses and effects of different forms of communication in interventions in those conflicts. It combines communication studies with conflict analysis and conflict theory, and with studies of the theory and practice of intervention, such as interest-based conflict resolution and peace studies. Students who complete this course will be ready to take more advanced courses in negotiation and dialogue (e.g., CMNS 447), international communication, news analysis, political economy, media democratization, risk communication, etc.

Communication is broadly understood to include the general and impersonal forms mediated by technologies and mass media, smaller-scale organizational forms, private, even secret forms of communication. Conflict, in this version of the course, refers to a range of situations, including interpersonal disputes, organizational and community conflicts, war and genocide. The material discussed refers to news media, pop culture, the Internet, and academic treatments of conflicts, and their uses in various forms of intervention. Students will work individually, or in groups, on a research project, which will focus on a comparative analysis of two conflicts. In order to focus this wide range of issues, the course makes use of selected case studies for common discussion, while enabling students to develop a project of their own choice. The graded assignments emphasize a grasp of the conceptual literature and its link to specific case studies.

Course Themes:

·      Scales and types of conflict: climate, context/theory, interests, and face-work.
·      The conflict cycle: asking analytical questions about peace, conflict, co-operation, and communication.
·      Media and news: why they matter in conflict and intervention.
·      Peace Journalism and War Journalism: contending perspectives on media and conflict.
·      Theories and models of conflict and intervention (e.g., game theory, entrapment).
·      The impulse to intervene, and its consequences.
·      ‘Interveners in trouble’, and the balance of power in conflicts.

Grading

  • (Subject to confirmation in class.)
  • Research Project Proposal 10%
  • Research Project Paper 50%
  • Graded, In-Class Assignment(s) 20%
  • Participation and Attendance 20%

NOTES:

A minimum CGPA of 2.25, and approval as a communication student is required for entry into most communication upper division courses.

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.]

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be available on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS