Summer 2024 - CMNS 362 D100
Evaluation Methods for Applied Communication Research (6)
Class Number: 1003
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Benjamin Anderson
bja19@sfu.ca
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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. Methods introduced in this course can be appropriately used to pursue research questions in a number of areas, however mass mediated communication, social media and communication and cultural industries will be the focus of class discussion. Lectures 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 that will include interview techniques, content analysis, survey research, and focus groups.
The core of the course is made up of a group research project. Student groups will work together to design, develop, and implement an original pilot study using at least two methods introduced in class on a self-selected topic (subject to approval from the course instructor). 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. Suitable topics tend to synthesize at least two of the three research areas taught within the School of Communication: cultural studies; technology studies; and political economy. They also reflect a historically situated awareness to current events.
Grading
- Project Abstract 5%
- Project Literature Review 10%
- Quiz 10%
- Project Proposal 15%
- Project Presentation 10%
- Peer Evaluation 10%
- Project Report 30%
- Tutorial Attendance & Participation 10%
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
17 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-, or 45 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.
Both CMNS 201W and CMNS 202 are highly recommended.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All readings will be available digitally in the ‘files’ section on Canvas.
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