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 mass communication as they relate to social change.  The first section of the course introduces the era of mass communication and some of the more influential approaches to its study.  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 and liberal-pluralists approaches to mass communication?  What are the main theories developed to understand the impact and influence of the mass media on society? 

The second part of the course focuses on contemporary, networked forms of mass media and perspectives that seek to explain what has been called the “network society".  We examine questions such as:  Are we in the midst of a transition from an era of mass communication to an era of networked communication?  What are the implications of this shift for social inequality?  What role can we play in this transformation?  What regulatory approaches are being applied to digital media?  How does concentration of ownership affect media content?  How have media production, distribution and consumption changed along with the arrival of the Internet and social media?

Format:

CMNS 130 will be delivered remotely in an asynchronous format.  Every week, a new recorded lecture will be uploaded onto Canvas.  The lecture slides will be made available the same day.  You are required to do the assigned readings before the asynchronous lecture.  In addition, from weeks 2 to 12 you have to submit a 150-200 word answer to the reflection questions of the week.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• To introduce some of the key concepts, theoretical approaches and political perspectives used in the study of mass communication.
• To provide a foundation for a number of second-year communication courses in the School of Communication.
• To consider the role played by mass communication within broader social change.
• To develop the capacity to critically assess, and intervene within, the mass media environment.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Note on Technology:

Your enrollment in this course means you acknowledge that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.  To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the Internet.  In some cases, your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams.  Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: