Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - CMNS 432 D200

Political Communication, Public Opinion and Political Marketing (4)

Class Number: 4949

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    75 units including at least two CMNS or DIAL upper division courses, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the core paradox of the political discourse in a democratic society today. Despite rising levels of education and citizen access to 24-hour news, public affairs and contemporary forms of satire, voting turnout in most advanced democracies is declining. We look at how politics is defined and meaning is mediated within the communicative public sphere during and between elections. Students with credit for CMNS 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar course examines the core paradox of political discourse in a democratic society today.  Despite rising levels of education and citizen interest in 24-hour news and contemporary forms of satire, voting turnout in most advanced democracies is declining, and the majority (two in three) of young voters under the age of 25 choose not to vote.  We look at how politics is defined and meaning is mediated within the communicative public sphere during and between elections.  Is politics good entertainment?  To what extent are formal political systems increasingly by-passed by social media or by other modes of public assembly?

We look at the insider and outsider worlds of the spin-doctors, political journalists, strategists and speechwriters; and raise questions of moral ethics.  What are “good” politics and “bad” politics?  Conversely, what makes “good” political communication that empowers citizens, allows collective decisions, enables sustainable democracies, and mediates extremism?  And how does one pass judgements about “bad” political communications, that demobilize citizens, deceive political actors, or drive wedges amongst peoples to help the powerful preserve power?

This seminar places a strong emphasis on engaging with political discourse by participating in discussion, analyzing rhetoric and writing opinion pieces.  It is open to students taking the Dialogue Minor.

Grading

  • Seminar Participation and Attendance 25%
  • Workshop Presentation (group) 25%
  • Op Ed Piece (750 Words; individual) 25%
  • Political Speech (In-Class,7 Minutes; individual) 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be available on Canvas.

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.