Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CMNS 431 E100

News Research and Analysis (4)

Class Number: 6135

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units, including one of CMNS 235 or 331, with a minimum grade of C- and CMNS 201W (or 201) with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Applied research seminar using techniques of textual and contextual analysis to test media themes and explore patterns of coverage and omission in Canada's news media. Students may have an opportunity to publicize their work through the NewsWatch Canada Project.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a project-based seminar course in which students will individually engage in research and analysis of news stories.  Students will have the opportunity to develop various research skills which will result in a research paper on the findings.  Each year the course explores a different topic or aspect of news content.  This semester, the course will explore

framing analysis in relation to a global news topic or event that has an international scope e.g. disinformation campaigns, US election, the Arab Spring, Global Warming, COVID-19...etc. There are two main methods in analyzing frames in the news: Inductive and deductive approaches. Students are encouraged to follow one of these framing types. For the deductive approach, students need to find relevant articles and follow similar framing matrix used in these studies. For example, Nisbet (2010) mentioned some framing typologies designed to study the coverage of climate change and poverty. Students are encouraged to compare 2-3 news outlets from the same country or 2-3 countries (cross-national comparative research) in order to see the similarities and differences in the kind of frames used in relation to a certain event or topic that has an international scope. The appendix must include the articles and the way the analysis is made e.g. identifying the frames based on a codebook.

Global events take many forms such sports mega-events like the Olympics or the Pan-American Games or political global events such as the G7 conference. Some of the broad research questions that we attempt to address include: How are issues associated with global events currently being framed in the news media?  How, where, and to what extent are the connections between global events and the examined countries’ media systems and participative democracy?  What are the dominant frames through which media shape public understanding and engagement with global events? How are stakeholders and interested parties (e.g., industry, government, artists, First Nations, etc.) depicted in this coverage, and what communications strategies are they using to influence it?  What is the range of analysis, opinion and debate presented on these issues? What are the similarities and differences between different types of news media coverage (public vs. private, mainstream vs. alternative, broadcast vs. print)?  How do different media facilitate, motivate and/or discourage public engagement and action on these issues?

Depending upon student interest and motivation (and the quality of the research) we will explore publication of this research in different forms (i.e., research paper, press release, op-ed, alternative media, etc.).  Students will also be asked to give their consent to the publication of their research results (with full acknowledgement of their role in its production).

Grading

  • Attendance and Online Participation 20%
  • Research proposal 10%
  • Research Presentation 20%
  • Research Project 50%

NOTES:

During our first few weeks, we will collectively survey key themes and issues in news research analysis as well as some prior studies that have investigated the news media’s treatment of relevant global issues and themes.  Following this initial orientation, the course will take the form of weekly online seminars in which we will meet to discuss and analyse the ongoing results of group research projects.  Consistent preparation, attendance and online participation is essential to the seminar’s success.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

As required, course readings will be distributed, in class.


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 FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.