Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CMNS 486 D100

Special Topics in Communication (4)

Communication & Sexuality

Class Number: 1513

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Depends on topic; published before enrollment.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intensive analysis of a particular topic in the general area of communication and/or attention to the work of a particular writer or school of thought. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores sex and sexuality as communication practices and mediated experiences by considering a range of texts and topics related to the intersection of communication studies and sexuality studies. We will consider how normative understandings of sexuality are produced and reinforced through media technologies, and we will explore how queer media practices challenge these norms and offer alternative modes for understanding communication, mediation, and technology. Topics we will explore: social media; hookup and dating apps; porn; gaming; censorship and content moderation; HIV; online sex work; and queer approaches to thinking about data and code, amongst others. Our course approaches sexuality as inextricable from forms of social difference including but not limited to race, gender, class, and able-bodiedness.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Gain a grounding in basic concepts in sexuality studies, and conceptual skills for understanding the ways in which sexuality is mediated.
  2. Develop skills reading and thinking about theory.
  3. Practise advanced research and project development skills.

Grading

  • Discussion Posts 20%
  • Reading Responses 30%
  • Research Proposal 20%
  • Research Project 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course readings will be made available as PDFs through the course CANVAS site.

REQUIRED READING:

Course readings will be made available as PDFs through the course CANVAS site.

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