Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CMNS 800 G100

Contemporary Approaches in Communication Studies (5)

Class Number: 6033

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course surveys current interdisciplinary perspectives in communication studies and theory. It is normally offered in the fall term, and expected in the first year of graduate study.

COURSE DETAILS:

Whilst crises and change seem to be the dominant conditions of contemporary life, amidst this situation, communication media have become ubiquitous and integrated into the everyday ways we work, play, and live together. In this course, we examine the diverse ways that contemporary critical communication studies scholars are putting the current configuration into perspective. From considerations of the mediatization of everyday life to cultural analyses of communicative and financial infrastructures to assessments of the surveillant and biopolitical operations of media, and the analysis of ‘fake news’, the lessons of communication studies have become central across the sciences, social sciences, humanities and arts. Covering topics such as digital capitalism; the ‘racial’ logics of technologies and algorithms; new forms of play in everyday life; the formation of publics, counter-publics and populations; and on-line social movements, the objective of the seminar is to familiarize students with a range of contemporary approaches to the ubiquitous culture of communication. Students will be encouraged to use the course material for their research projects. It is expected that the course will be useful for to help students to orient their research programs through a process of critical encounter and generative exchange.

Grading

  • Seminar Participation 15%
  • Short Paper (2000 words) 25%
  • Seminar Presentation 10%
  • Final Paper (3500-4000 words for MA students; 5000-6000 words for PhD students) 50%

NOTES:

The Final Paper (3500-4000 words for MA students; 5000-6000 words for PhD students) is DUE December 31, 2021.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Please note all course readings will be available online through our course Canvas page.


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

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.