Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMNS 326 D100

Video Podcast Journalism (4)

Class Number: 4902

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMNS 226 or 235, with a minimum grade of C-; or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This is a media analysis and production course that takes students through the theory, design and practice of video storytelling and the contemporary genre of video podcasts. We combine lectures and labs to provide students with the opportunity to produce a School of Communication video podcast. This course critically deconstructs and analyzes existing content as well as develops the skills and techniques needed for video podcast journalism.

COURSE DETAILS:

The day-to-day work of news reporting is a creative process, involving self-determined actors interacting with constantly evolving cultural and technological environments. Contemporary data management techniques and networked distribution systems have transformed journalistic practice and opened opportunities for new forms of public communication and information dissemination.

This course explores these opportunities from two intertwined and reciprocally shaping perspectives. First, by studying the traditions of journalistic practice and analysis; looking at the theories, structures, organizations, content, effects, and audiences of news media. Second, by working in production teams to produce multi modal material to explore and innovate new forms of journalistic practice.

Students will be required to employ journalistic practices in the form of research, interviewing, audio and video recording, editing, presentation, and distribution of media. Group meetings, seminars, and workshops are scheduled weekly. Students should expect to spend an additional minimum of four hours per week in related activities.

Grading

  • Engagement 20%
  • Online Discussions 20%
  • Podcast Concept Pitch (First Video Assignment) 10%
  • In-Class Writing Development 20%
  • Video Podcast Project (Final Group Project) 30%

NOTES:

Marks will be deducted for absences and late work.
Attendance in all components of the course is mandatory, and will be reflected in the overall marks for Engagement. There will be no opportunities for making up for missed class components such as attendance in Lecture or Labs. Late penalties will apply automatically with a TEN PERCENT reduction per day applied to any late assignments. This will be applied without exception.

Grading and Academic Honesty
The school expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline.

Software and Hardware Requirements
To ensure you can access all course materials and complete assigned coursework, it is required that you have access to a computer with a microphone, camera (cell phone is adequate), and the Internet. Student acquired licensing for Adobe Premiere and Photoshop are required for this class.

NOTE -- Tutorials and Labs do not start in Week 1 (5-9 January 2026) -- unless specified by the Instructor.  If your tutorial/Lab is scheduled to occur prior to your first lecture/seminar -- please check with the course Canvas page, or with your Instructor (via email), to find out if you will have a tutorial/Lab in the first week of Spring Semester 2026.   If your tutorial/Lab occurs after the first lecture/seminar, then just ask in the first lecture/seminar whether or not there will be tutorials/Labs during Week 1.

REQUIREMENTS:

Student acquired licensing for Adobe Premiere and Photoshop are required for this class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be posted on the course page on Canvas https://canvas.sfu.ca/


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.