Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - CMNS 235 D100

Digital Democracies (3)

Class Number: 2765

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Nine CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the study of the relationship between public communication, information media practices and structures, and democracy. Examines the role of media and communication in existing and emerging democratic contexts, including print and electronic journalism, alternative media, public spheres, and the challenges of constructing and maintaining a democratic media and communication environment in Canadian and global contexts.

COURSE DETAILS:

“We should care about journalism because it’s central to democracy, citizenship, and everyday life, and we should care about journalism studies because it helps us understand this key social institution.” (Wahl-Jorgenson & Hanitzsch, 2009, xi.)

This course is an introduction to the relationship between the news media, the public, and democracy. The course begins with an overview of the historical role of news media in democratic society, and theories of democracy and the public sphere. We will examine the role of the news media, communication, and power in existing and emerging democratic contexts. This will include: reviewing the state of journalism today, both in Canada and globally; tracing the key economic, political, ideological, organizational, technological, and other factors, that influence editorial content, and shape and constrain news production. We will consider questions such as: What is the public interest? What are the normative models of news media? What influences help to shape the information we receive? What is the political and social effect of the news media? What are the effects of news media upon public opinion and democratic citizenship, and how do they shape our understanding and engagement with pressing social, economic and political issues? How is journalism responding to evolving global crises (e.g. climate change, inequality, geopolitical conflict)? We will conclude by considering alternative models and structures for news media, including the impacts of new media and information technologies upon journalists and the public.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Describe the relationship between news media, public spheres and democracy.

2. Discuss the role of economics and technological development in the cultural and social transformations of news media.

3. Relate theoretical concepts of objectivity, opinion, values, organization and policy to empirical examples.

4. Develop a critical thesis on the roles of news media and public participation in democratic governance.

Grading

  • Tutorial Attendance 5%
  • Tutorial Participation 15%
  • News Journals 20%
  • In-Class Mid-Term Exam 20%
  • In-Class Final Exam 20%
  • Final Policy Brief (4-5 pages) 20%

NOTES:

The school expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline (note: as of May 1, 2009 the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02) and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies). For further information see: www.sfu.ca/policies/Students/index.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course readings will be made available via Canvas (which you will be able to access starting in the first week of the semester): https://canvas.sfu.ca/

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