Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - CMNS 425 D200

Applied Communication for Social Issues (4)

Class Number: 4287

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    26 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C- or 60 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced seminar in applied communication that focuses on the research and strategic design of media messages, campaigns and programs for public awareness, education, and social change. This course involves the application of theories and approaches in critical media analysis to the tasks of media design and media use for public understanding, engagement and participation around social issues.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this practical, hands-on course you will apply your knowledge about social issues and communications practices to the design of a communication for social change initiative.

The course is organized around Theory of Change, a widely used framework for the strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of social change initiatives. Theory of Change is an incredibly valuable tool because it forms the backbone of effective organizational planning, pitch development and grant writing. We will use Theory of Change to organize background research, to inform the design of campaigns and messaging, and to plan public engagements—all while paying close attention to strategic alignment between resources, activities, project outputs, hoped for outcomes, and real-world impacts.

Along the way we will learn about key concepts in strategic communications, public relations, community engagement and virtual advocacy. We will gather lessons from the past by exploring historical case studies in communication for social change, social marketing, corporate social responsibility, and digital cultures. We will also dive into contemporary strategies in social change communication such as context-awareness, community-led engagement, sentiment analysis, credibility management, building trust equity, compassionate messaging, inclusive design, holding complexity, evidence-led storytelling and more.

Grading

  • Background research 15%
  • Analysis of mechanisms / Key assumptions 15%
  • Theory of Change 20%
  • Project Presentation 30%
  • Participation (assessed individually) 20%

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

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Note that there will be a full lecture on May 11. Attendance is expected on day 1.
  • Group work is optional in this course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course materials will be made available virtually or via the SFU Library.

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.