Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - CMNS 327 D100

Media, Learning, and Social Change (4)

Class Number: 3232

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Instructor:

    Stuart Poyntz
    spoyntz@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-7293
    Office: K-9654 (Burnaby)

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units, including one of CMNS 210, 220, 221, 223 (or 223W), 230, 235, 240 or 253 (or 253W), with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the institutional associations between media and learning across a range of cultural practices. Specific attention is given to research examining young people's informal learning in relation to various media forms, and also addressed is how electronic and digital media have been used in a range of learning settings to convey information, and to promote understanding and social change. Students with credit for CMNS 387 (taken in Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, or Spring 2014 terms) may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

A seminar examining the institutional associations between media and learning across a range of cultural practices. Mass media, including film, television and now digital technologies and other aesthetic resources have been heralded as tools for public intervention and education. This course will explore how well electronic and digital media, and other aesthetic resources have succeeded in promoting public awareness and understanding among children and young people. It will focus on research into children’s informal learning in relation to various educational media forms, and address how mass media has been used in learning settings to convey information and promote understanding and change. Conceptions of media literacy and debates about the competencies children and youth need in a media-saturated world will be assessed, as will the role of production and youth-produced media in the development of critical media literacies. Where possible, locally developed production programs and projects involving youth and educators will be used as case studies.

Grading

  • Attendance 5%
  • WIKI Participation - Article Reviews and Discussion Group 25%
  • Take-home Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Design/Curation Project 45%

NOTES:

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices in both levels and distribution of grades.  In addition, the School will also follow Policy T10.02 with respect to intellectual Honesty, and Academic Discipline (see the current Calendar, General Regulations Section).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Hoechsmann, M., & Poyntz, S. R. (2012). Media literacies: A critical introduction. Malden, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

(Available in SFU HC Bookstore)
ISBN: 978-1405186100

Other course readings are available on the course CANVAS site https://canvas.sfu.ca/courses/43240

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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this 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 spring 2022 term.