Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CMNS 316 D200

Topics in Popular Cultures and Public Communication (4)

Advertising & Promo.Culture

Class Number: 7562

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 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:  Advertising and Promotional Cultures

Does advertising work on us, through us, or both? Are we “brainwashed” by corporate appeals, or do we actively participate in the cultural narratives and myths produced by advertisers and promoters? How has advertising responded to critical changes in global capitalism and the shifting social dynamics of the home, the workplace, and the natural environment? In what ways do advertisers giving meaning to the world?

In this course we explore how social actors are compelled to express themselves through the language and forms of promotion. We also consider the ways in which the self is articulated as an infinite site of accumulation and improvement in contemporary consumer culture. From eco activists, professional athletes and health workers, to universities, sports franchises and cities, discourses of promotion are ubiquitous. Using both historical and contemporary ad examples, we explore ideas of authenticity, affect, youth culture, anti-branding, commodity feminism, consumer citizenship, political promotion, spiritual capitalism, branded nationalism, the ideology of nature, and more. This course will explore the broader social, cultural, and ideological implications of advertising. A significant amount of time will be spent deconstructing contemporary advertising practices and reading ads as rich cultural texts. Overall, the aim of this course is to critically engage with the cultural narratives from which ads draw their meaning.

Grading

  • Advertising Group Project (Proposal 5%, Brand Package 10%, Brand pitch 15%) 30%
  • Branded Spaces Photo Essay 10%
  • Attendance & Participation (Tutorial Attendance 7.5%; In-Class Assignments 7.5%; and Weekly Ad Submission 5%) 20%
  • Mid-Term Exam (written exam in-class)*** 20%
  • Final Exam (written exam in-class during exam period)*** 20%

NOTES:

***Term research paper option available in lieu of exams.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings will be available on Canvas. You will need access to a Netflix Canada account to access some course viewing material.

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.