Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - CMNS 221 D100

Media and Popular Cultures (3)

Class Number: 3813

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 110 and 130.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on communication for social change; historical and contemporary perspectives in consumer culture; technology, media and popular culture; media and identity; and communication as public education.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to and survey of the study of popular culture and communication, with a specific focus on the social and cultural dimensions of media texts, industries, and audiences. The course examines theoretical approaches to understanding critical issues and controversies in media, society and popular culture. A broad range of themes will structure our investigation, including: communication and social change; citizenship, media and culture; the rise of industrial capitalism and the emergence of consumer cultures; controversies and practices of technology in media cultures; theories of mass culture and society; the nature and role of audiences in contemporary media culture; the dominance of visual/image culture in contemporary life; problems in relation to modernism, postmodernism and popular culture; globalization; media, identities and urban life; and communication as public education. Besides course readings, we will also look closely at various films, television shows, popular music, memes, and other forms of visual culture as part of our investigation.

Grading

  • Exam #1 20%
  • Outline for Research Paper 10%
  • Exam #2 20%
  • Research Paper 35%
  • Tutorial Participation and Attendance 15%

NOTES:

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:

Readings will be provided by instructor.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.