Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CMNS 110 D100

Introduction to Communication Studies (3)

Class Number: 2384

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2025
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to selected theories about human communication. This course is required for a major, honours or minor in communication. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to some of the key concepts and themes of communication theory, which has been influenced by a wide range of disciplines. Each of the texts on the syllabus engages with key aspects of what John Durham Peters calls “the problem of communication”.  Texts in the course reflect on the manner in which individuals and societies make and exchange meaning, the systems that govern that exchange, the contexts that influence how meaning is made, or the technologies we use to aid (or obfuscate, in some cases) communication. Students will become familiar with a range of theoretical traditions that have influenced the development of communication studies in North America, will develop critical thinking and reading skills, and will come to understand the place of theory within academic research and the production processes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course aims to help students approach communication critically and to question its place in their own everyday lives.  Thus, at the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Identify and summarize major theories of communication.
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking in their media analysis and writing assignments.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of what research questions in communication studies look like, especially when they start undertaking their own research.
  4. Create materials, assignments and research questions incorporating language and key concepts in communication studies.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • 2 Short papers 30%
  • Synthesis Paper 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relationship to established university-wide practices. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 with regard to Student Discipline. For further information visit: www.sfu.ca/policies/Students/index.html.

NOTE -- Tutorials do not start in Week 1 (3-9 September 2025) -- unless specified by the Instructor.  If your tutorial is scheduled to occur prior to your first lecture -- please check with the course Canvas page, or with your Instructor (via email), to find out if you will have a tutorial in the first week of Fall Semester 2025.   If your tutorial occurs after the first lecture, then just ask in the first lecture whether or not there will be tutorials during Week 1.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be available as PDFs on Canvas.  Any material that is not on Library Reserve can be found online in an academic journal through the Library's website. In cases of texts that are easily available via the web, the link will be posted on the class schedule.  Should you be unable to access the site, please contact the Instructor immediately.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.