Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CMNS 215 D100

Media and Identity (3)

Class Number: 3687

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Media and identity centers the idea of "social position" and that media are created and interpreted from and through specific perspectives and experiences of the world. Media and public discourse are shaped through various axes of social position that include gender, race, sexuality, ability, nationality, and other markers of identity.

COURSE DETAILS:

Personal identity significantly influences how individuals perceive media, including the Internet. Researchers must adopt reflexive and conscious approaches to qualitative research that address identity and its political implications within societies. What is identity? While this might seem like a simple question, the complex layers of nationalism, race, gender, class, and other forms of identity in North American contexts must be unpacked to approach an answer. This course will move beyond purely political or systemic approaches to introduce introductory concepts for the study of identity and media. Topics covered in the course include:  Being, Self, Identity Theory, Networks, Language, Social Identity, Difference, Perception, and Conflict Theory. The course will use the Internet as a case study for exploring the politics of identity and will draw on theoretical fields such as Trans Studies, Black Studies, Indigenous Studies, Postcolonialism, Feminism, and Queer Theory.

Grading

  • Final Project Proposal 20%
  • Mid-Term Exam 30%
  • Tutorial Participation 20%
  • Final Project 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Selected readings for this course will be provided by a Digital Course Pack available for purchase through the university bookstore.

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.