Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CMNS 487 D100

Special Topics in Communication (4)

Collective Memory

Class Number: 3634

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

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

  • Prerequisites:

    Depends on topic; published before enrollment.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intensive analysis of a particular topic in communication and/or attention to the work of a particular writer or school of thought. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topic for Fall 2024:  Collective Memory

This course explores the place of collective memory in culture and communications.  The study of collective memory goes beyond the simple notion that memories are recollections of something experienced or learned by individuals.   The past matters to people in the present; groups and individuals define their identities in relation to memories.  What is not memorialized is as important as what is commemorated.

The course will explore the relationship between memory and forgetting (or “collective amnesia”), and examine ways of sustaining memory through performance, the built environment, everyday practices (like food traditions or sports), ceremonies, movements (such as restitution initiatives), laws, customs and specific “sites” of memory including:  memorials, museums, Internet sites, and public art.

One goal is to study how collective memories shape and are shaped by public discourse.  Another goal is to develop a critical awareness of the relations of changing collective memories of the past to the present, and the process of imagining the future.

Format

This is a seminar course.  There will be lectures but student presentations and discussions are part of weekly activities.  Students will be expected to participate actively in creating the seminar in real time through readings, discussion, proposals of cases and examples for study.  Specific weekly topics and cases for discussion, and examples for applied theory will depend on the range of interests of seminar participants.

Grading

  • Seminar participation (attendance) 10%
  • Short assignments (short papers and class presentations) 35%
  • Work as discussants of short papers and term assignment presentations 20%
  • Multi-part term assignment (proposal, research paper and class presentation) 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings are assigned each week.  They will be placed on reserve in the library or may be available electronically on the course website.

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.