Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CMNS 362 D200

Evaluation Methods for Applied Communication Research (6)

Class Number: 7370

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Course Organization

This is a course in applied communication which spans theory and methods of communication research. It builds on your earlier studies of research methods.  Lectures will introduce a variety of theoretical and pragmatic concerns. Students will work in teams on a pilot study.

Team Projects

Students will work in teams to design, develop and implement an original pilot study using at least two methods introduced in class (one qualitative and one quantitative), primarily using non-reactive measures. With this research the goal is to study attitudes not be­­­haviour.  For Spring 2025 we are focusing on a theme related to:

  • Climate change: Themes you may wish to explore may concern awareness of climate change debates, experiences related to climate (such as heat waves, fires, floods), attitudes in organizations or government, attitudes expressed during ecological protests (such as those related to the UNFCCC (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). Protests and movements may also be explored (such as the Extinction Rebellion events in BC), as may artistic action.
Teams of students will choose and define a research topic or question, review relevant literature and propose researchable questions (subject to approval from course instructors). Sources and approaches will be discussed. Teams are required to present their team's proposal and later their findings in a conference-style presentation during lecture time.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The goal of this course is to provide students with enhanced opportunities to develop research goals and experience the opportunity to work in a team and discuss research with others.  This course includes weekly lectures and tutorials (except in the first week when there will be no tutorials). Individual work is also included as part of the course.  Active participation and providing feedback are important, notably in discussions of other teams’ work.  Most of the materials will be posted on a Canvas website for the course and students will be expected to submit electronic documents in Canvas.

Grading

  • Attendance and active participation in lectures and tutorials 20%
  • Quizzes 20%
  • Discussant work on other team’s round Table (peer review) 5%
  • Evaluations of other members of your team 5%
  • Term Assignment Proposal (team) and abstract 15%
  • Round table presentations in lecture time (team) 10%
  • Term Paper (team) 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:

Readings will be available for purchase or electronically through Canvas or put on reserve.

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

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

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.