Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CMNS 362 D100

Evaluation Methods for Applied Communication Research (6)

Class Number: 1040

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Research design and techniques for the study of the introduction, uses and consequences of new media and technologies, new communication policies and practices in their socio-economic and cultural context, and communication in innovation and change.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a course in applied communication that spans theory and methods of communication research.  Although methods introduced in this course can be appropriately used to pursue research questions in a number of areas, the use of these methods to investigate mass mediated communication and communication infrastructures will be the focus of class discussion, and is expected to be the focus of student research. Lectures will introduce a variety of theoretical issues, as well as pragmatic concerns that arise in utilizing the methods introduced in the course. Students will be introduced to a variety of research methods, which may include: interview techniques, textual analysis, survey research, and focus groups.

Students will design, develop, and implement an original pilot study using two methods introduced in class.  In previous iterations of this class, students have examined the gamification and quantified care of the self; precarious labour in creative and cultural industries; the representation of race, gender, class and/or sexuality in the media; but these need not confine or demarcate areas of research. Based on these, or any other relevant themes, students will choose and define a research problem, review relevant literature, propose researchable questions (subject to approval from course instructor/TA), and carry out original research using two methods.

Grading

  • Class Participation (Individual) 25%
  • Positionality Paper (Individual) 10%
  • Study Proposal (Team) 10%
  • Final Report (Team) 30%
  • Presentation (Team) 10%
  • Final In-Class Quiz (Individual) 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be posted 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 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.