Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CMNS 235 D200

Digital Democracies (3)

Class Number: 7598

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2025
    Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six CMNS units with a minimum grade of C-, including CMNS 130.

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:

In this course, we examine the different ways that journalism impacts society and democracy. The recent protests against anti-Black racism, coupled with struggles for Indigenous rights and climate justice, have forced, at long last, a careful examination of the roots of institutional (including corporate, structural) power in our society. These  sustained acts of collective action and mobilization are forcing people to rethink the status quo, take on new perspectives, and confront their assumptions about the way the world works. News reporting on collective action has exacerbated a reckoning with respect to conventional views on journalistic objectivity, sourcing and even story selection.

The course begins by laying out some of the foundational principles of journalism in the English language. However, the course aims to (re-) examine journalism from a global perspective, drawing on the Anglo-Saxon tradition of the press, but also on other journalistic traditions, using perspectives from students in the class to trace a truly intersectional and multidisciplinary approach to the news. Special attention is paid to the role that solutions play in news reporting, and in particular, as those solutions apply to the climate crisis. The impact of tech platforms, notably Facebook, Twitter and Google, on news production, distribution and ‘consumption’ is also discussed.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Understanding the origins of journalistic objectivity; solutions journalism.
  • Knowing the different models of democracy & different roles of journalism.
  • Learning about the ‘commodification’ of information, and the public sphere.
  • Examining alternative journalism, and the role of social movements.
  • Tracing the different ‘stages,’ forms and functions of climate journalism, with an emphasis on solutions-oriented reporting.

Grading

  • Lecture Discussion Exercises 20%
  • Commentaries 20%
  • Proposal 5%
  • Final Paper 30%
  • Take-Home Exam 25%

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:

There is no textbook for the course. Instead, a series of academic- & media readings, and podcast episodes, will be used.


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.