Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - CMNS 312 D300

Topics in Communication Policy and Governance (4)

Misinformation Studies

Class Number: 4309

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 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:

Topics cover a range of policy and governance concerns and processes pertaining to communication, media, and/or culture in national and international contexts. Topics vary and include: content regulation, copyright, media institutions, media advocacy, and different perspectives to study these issues. This course can be repeated twice for credit if the topics are different (up to a maximum of three times).

COURSE DETAILS:

This course covers the relevant concepts, methods, and arguments about misinformation, and it has a strong emphasis on developing critical skills. We will critically review, among other concepts, the varied meanings of misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and fake news. We will also study how misinformation is identified and how it spreads as well as the different fact checking techniques, while emphasizing the global nature of the spread of misinformation along many fields such as politics, health, climate, and sports. Though social media is a vibrant source of misinformation, we will also examine other possible sources and players such as the news media, politicians, and fake experts. It is imperative that students keep up with the readings in this course.

Grading

  • Lecture attendance 10%
  • Lecture participation 10%
  • Group presentation 20%
  • Fact checking case study 15%
  • Reflection Essay 15%
  • Misinformation analysis paper 30%

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 required text. Readings will be assigned before the beginning of the course, and they will be made available through Canvas.

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.