Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - CMNS 230 D100

The Cultural Industries in Canada: Global Context (3)

Class Number: 1177

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 8, 2023
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

What do we mean when we talk about the 'cultural industries' today? This course explores the business structure and economics of the cultural sectors, the regulatory and policy frameworks, and their social and cultural contexts. Students are encouraged to develop, compare and contrast at least two sectors from the audio, print or visual industries. While the primary focus is on the Canadian case, students will be encouraged to look at other countries. Overriding themes explore the following: relationships between public and private sectors; independent and commercial creators; rights of creators versus distributors; specialty and general media; indigenous and global contents.

COURSE DETAILS:

What do we mean when we talk about the 'cultural industries' today? This course explores the business structure and economics of the cultural sectors, the regulatory and policy frameworks, and their social and cultural contexts. Students are encouraged to develop, compare and contrast at least two sectors from the audio, print or visual industries. While the primary focus is on the Canadian case, students will be encouraged to look at other countries. Overriding themes explore the following: relationships between public and private sectors; independent and commercial creators; rights of creators versus distributors; specialty and general media; Indigenous and global contents. Prerequisite: Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Understand and apply key concepts and theoretical approaches to the study of media and cultural industries.
  • Provide a conceptual framework that can be applied to selected cultural industries in local and international contexts and be extrapolated to other sectors.
  • Provide an overview of the organizational ecology for the cultural industries in Canada.
  • Enable students to begin career-focused research into the cultural industries, while identifying the relevant problematics in political economy and cultural studies for future learning.
  • Establish connections between local and global contexts.

Grading

  • Midterm Short Essay 30%
  • Case Study Proposal 15%
  • Final Case Study 40%
  • Poster Presentation 5%
  • Tutorial Attendance and Participation 10%

NOTES:

Grading:

Grading will follow the SFU School of Communication’s grading guidelines.

Policy on Assignments:

Late marks will be deducted for assignments (except for the in-tutorial poster presentation) handed-in after the due date at the rate of 1 point per day (note that after 5 days, this means that a full grade will be deducted: i.e., from B to B-). Late assignments will no longer be accepted one week after the initial due date.

Make-up assignments or re-writes will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and only under extraordinary circumstances.

REQUIREMENTS:

There will typically be 50-75 pages of required readings for each class. Readings not in the course textbooks will be available on Canvas, along with other useful materials. Please note that readings should be done prior to the lecture on the week they are assigned.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Hesmondhalgh, D. (2019). The Cultural Industries (4th ed.). London: SAGE.

Thompson, C. & Campbell, M. (Eds.). (2022). Creative Industries in Canada. Toronto: Canadian Scholars.

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.