Fall 2022 - CMNS 362 D100

Evaluation Methods for Applied Communication Research (6)

Class Number: 1178

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units including CMNS 253 (or 253W) with a minimum grade of C-, and two of CMNS 201W (201 or 260), CMNS 202 (or 262) or CMNS 261, both with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Research design and techniques for the study of the introduction, uses and consequences of new media and technologies, new communication policies and practices in their socio-economic and cultural context, and communication in innovation and change.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a course in applied communication that spans theory and methods of communication research. Methods introduced in this course can be appropriately used to pursue research questions in a number of areas, however mass mediated communication and communication infrastructures will be the focus of class discussion. Lectures introduce a variety of theoretical issues, as well as pragmatic concerns that arise in utilizing the methods introduced in the course. Students will be introduced to a variety of research methods that may include interview techniques, textual discourse and content analysis, survey research, and focus groups. Student groups will work together to design, develop, and implement an original pilot study using at least two methods introduced in class on a self-selected topic (subject to approval from the course instructor). In previous iterations of this class, students have examined the gamification and quantified care of the self; precarious labour in creative and cultural industries; the representation of race, gender, class and/or sexuality in the media; but these need not confine or demarcate areas of research. Suitable topics tend to synthesis at least two of the three research areas taught within the School of Communication: cultural studies; technology studies; and political economy. They also reflect a historically situated awareness to current events.

Grading

  • Project abstract (Group assignment) 5%
  • Project literature review (Group assignment) 10%
  • Quiz (Individual assignment) 10%
  • Project proposal (Group assignment) 15%
  • Project Presentation (Group assignment) 10%
  • Peer evaluation (Individual assignment) 10%
  • Project report (Group assignment) 30%
  • Tutorial attendance and Participation (Individual assignment) 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available digitally in the ‘files’ section on Canvas. The main course text (Creswell) is also available on course reserve in the Harbour Centre library.

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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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