Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CMNS 316 D100

Topics in Popular Cultures and Public Communication (4)

News & Politics

Class Number: 1155

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    17 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C- or 45 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Topics on public and popular cultures with a focus on social, political, and cultural dynamics. Explores audiences, publics, and institutions at a global, national, and/or local level. Topics vary and may address themes like: news, music, public media, advertising, sports, childhood, youth cultures, art, and everyday life. This course can be repeated once for credit (up to a maximum of two times).

COURSE DETAILS:

Topic for Fall 2024:  News & Politics

Much of what we know, or think we know, about the political world is derived from the news media. In this course, we will examine the news media as a set of institutions that have important political and ideological implications. We will focus on news discourse as a form of political communication and consider what factors influence news content, and what methods can be used to analyze the ways news media create meaning. A particular focus is the contrast between different mainstream or corporate media outlets, and/or alternative media sources, in the international and local contexts.

This course has a strong emphasis on theory and its application. We will review, among other concepts, critical and cultural theories of news, the role of news media in democratic societies, and, to some extent, theories of framing and ideology. It is imperative that students keep up with the readings in this course.

Grading

  • Lecture Attendance & Participation 10%
  • Tutorial Attendance & Participation 10%
  • Tutorial Presentation 15%
  • News Journal 20%
  • Term Paper Paper 15%
  • Media Analysis Paper 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is one required text, and additional readings may be assigned during the course.  If so, they will be made available through Canvas. In addition, students will be expected to monitor the news media regularly and use current examples in class.

Boczkowski, P. J., & Anderson, C. W. (Eds.). (2017). Remaking the news: Essays on the future of journalism scholarship in the digital age. MIT Press.

(Students do not need to purchase this book as SFU Library offers online access)

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.