Fall 2025 - CMNS 130 OL01
Communication and Social Change (3)
Class Number: 2571
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the forms, theories and institutions of communication as they relate to broader social change, with a focus on the political, economic and regulatory shifts characterizing Canadian and transnational media systems. This course is required for a major, honours or minor in communication.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course offers an introduction to the forms, theories, and institutions of communication as they relate to broader social change.
The first section of the course introduces the era of mass communication and some of the more influential approaches to its study. In Lectures #1-7 we examine questions such as: What is mass communication? What is the role of mass media in a democracy? How has mass media been regulated? What are the differences between critical, liberal-democratic, and neoliberal understandings of mass communication?
The second part of the course focuses on contemporary, networked, and algorithmic forms of media, as well as perspectives that seek to explain them. In Lectures #8-12 we examine questions such as: What will the transition to a world of algorithmic communication mean for our communities and societies? What are the implications of this shift for democracy and social inequality? What role can we play in this transformation? What regulatory approaches are being applied to digital media? How have media production, distribution, and consumption changed with the arrival of mobile communication, social media, and artificial intelligence?
The course concludes by investigating these questions through case studies of media industries and practices, including: work in the communication and cultural industries, the rise of digital platforms and artificial intelligence; and the relationship between digital media and authoritarianism.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- To introduce some of the key concepts, theoretical approaches and political perspectives used in the study of communication.
- To provide a foundation for second-year communication courses in the School of Communication.
- To consider the role played by communication within broader social change.
- To develop the capacity to critically assess, and intervene within, the media environment.
Grading
- Reading Reflection Assignment (6 x 4%) 24%
- Quizzes (3 x 2%) 6%
- Mid-Term Exams (2 x 15%) 30%
- Final Exam 40%
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.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Required readings will be available as PDFs on Canvas, online, or through the Library’s 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
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.