Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - CMNS 432 D100

Media, Political Messaging, and Persuasion (4)

Class Number: 3676

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: Tue, Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 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:

Examines how media shapes political discourse, public opinion, and persuasion strategies. Topics include media influence, political messaging tactics, and public speaking for advocacy. Students will learn to craft persuasive opinion pieces, analyze media rhetoric and political propaganda, and develop effective communication skills for political and social impact. Students with credit for CMNS 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar examines the core paradox of political discourse in contemporary democracies. Despite rising levels of education and constant exposure to 24-hour news cycles, political satire, and social media commentary, voter turnout continues to decline, and many young citizens disengage from formal politics. At the centre of this course is a practical and critical question: how does political speech shape democratic life, and how can citizens speak back?

The course places public speaking at the heart of political communication. Students will closely analyze political speeches, campaign rhetoric, parliamentary debates, press conferences, and political performances across media platforms. We will examine how arguments are constructed, how ethos and credibility are built, how emotion is mobilized, and how language frames public reality during and between elections. Is politics merely entertainment, or does speech still carry the power to persuade, mobilize, and transform?

Students will move beyond analysis to practice. The seminar develops skills in crafting and delivering speeches, constructing persuasive arguments, responding under pressure, and engaging in formal debates. Through structured debate formats and live speaking exercises, students will learn how to defend positions, challenge opponents ethically, and speak with clarity and conviction in contested public spaces.

We will also examine the worlds of political strategists, journalists, and speechwriters, raising ethical questions about persuasion and power. What distinguishes responsible political rhetoric from manipulative messaging or rant? How can public speech empower citizens, sustain democratic dialogue, and mediate political extremism? Conversely, do deceptive or polarizing or populist forms of communication undermine democratic participation, and if so, how?

Participation is central. Students will analyze speeches, deliver their own, engage in moderated debates, and produce critical/argumentative reflections on the role of rhetoric in shaping collective decisions.

Grading

  • Seminar Participation in Discussions/Asking Questions 10%
  • In-class Analysis of an Op Ed 10%
  • Writing an Op Ed 25%
  • In-class Analysis of a Political Speech 10%
  • Delivering a Political Speech In-class 25%
  • Participation in 2 in-class Political Debates in Groups (2x10%) 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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be available on Canvas starting first week of classes.

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.