Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CMNS 202 D100

Design and Method in Qualitative Communication Research (4)

Class Number: 1049

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to interpretive approaches in communication inquiry. Topics include ethics, paradigms, conceptualizing the research process, documentary research, historical methods, discourse or textual analysis, ethnographic research, and performative research. Students with credit for CMNS 262 may not take CMNS 202 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course aims to equip students with tools and practices in qualitative communication research.  These tools and practices are meant to ensure academic rigour, that researchers avoid causing harm, and that research findings are sound and meaningful.  Throughout the semester, students will learn various methods including:  interviewing, textual analysis, discourse analysis, analysis of digital environments, ethnography, and many others.  Skills acquired in this course will be foundational for students’ future research within communication and media studies.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of research design.
  • Reflect upon the researcher’s role, and understand principles of ethical research.
  • Become familiar with research tools and practices used in qualitative studies.
  • Interpret and analyze research data.
  • Strengthen analytical thinking, presentation, and formal writing skills.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • 4 Lab assignments 40%
  • Final Project 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be available as PDFs on Canvas.  Any material that is not on Library Reserve can be found online in an academic journal through the Library's website.  In cases of texts that are easily available via the web, the link will be posted on the class schedule.  Should you be unable to access the site, please contact the Instructor immediately.

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 term 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.