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Sociology and Communication Joint Major

Bachelor of Arts

Sociology and Communication overlap in many concerns: nature, production, commodification, and politics of culture; communicative processes and social identity, class, gender, etc. This joint major is for those who share these common interests.

A minimum 2.50 CGPA is required for entry to this Program. A minimum 2.25 CGPA is required for continuance in this program.

Students may complete their BA degree in either the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, or in the Faculty of Communication, Art & Technology.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Lower Division Communication Requirements

Students complete both of

CMNS 110 - Introduction to Communication Studies (3)

An introduction to selected theories about human communication. This course is required for a major, honours or minor in communication. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
C100 Distance Education
D100 Daniel Ahadi
Tu 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
SWH 10081, Burnaby
D101 Tu 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D102 Tu 4:30 PM – 5:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D103 Tu 5:30 PM – 6:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D104 Tu 6:30 PM – 7:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D105 Tu 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D106 We 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D107 We 4:30 PM – 5:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D108 We 5:30 PM – 6:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D109 We 6:30 PM – 7:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D110 We 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D111 Th 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D112 Th 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D113 Th 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D114 Th 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D115 Th 12:30 PM – 1:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D116 Th 1:30 PM – 2:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
J100 Gary McCarron
We 5:30 PM – 7:20 PM
HCC 1315, Vancouver
J101 We 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
HCC 1315, Vancouver
J102 We 8:30 PM – 9:20 PM
HCC 1315, Vancouver
CMNS 130 - Communication and Social Change (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
C100 Distance Education
C200 Distance Education
E100 Svitlana Matviyenko
We 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
SWH 10081, Burnaby
E101 We 6:30 PM – 7:20 PM
TASC2 7460, Burnaby
E102 We 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
TASC2 7460, Burnaby
E105 Th 4:30 PM – 5:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
E106 Th 5:30 PM – 6:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
E112 Tu 12:30 PM – 1:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
E113 Tu 1:30 PM – 2:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
E114 Tu 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
E115 We 12:30 PM – 1:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
E116 Th 6:30 PM – 7:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
E117 Th 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby

and at least six CMNS 200 division courses including both of

CMNS 201 - Empirical Communication Research Methods (4) *

An introduction to empirical research methods in diverse traditions of communication enquiry. Some methods recognize communication as everyday interactions; others analyze communication as a process; still others blend traditional scientific empiricism with analytical and critical methods derived from the arts and humanities. Topics include: ethics, paradigms, conceptualizing and operationalizing research, sampling, interviews, surveys, unobtrusive observation, content analysis, and the role of statistics in communication research. Prerequisite: 24 units, and CMNS 110 and 130. Students with credit for CMNS 201W or CMNS 260 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

CMNS 202 - Design and Method in Qualitative Communication Research (4)

An introduction to interpretive approaches in communication inquiry. Topics include ethics, paradigms, conceptualizing the research process, documentary research, historical methods, discourse or textual analysis, ethnographic research, and performative research. Prerequisite: 24 units, and CMNS 110 and 130. Students with credit for CMNS 262 may not take CMNS 202 for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Katherine Reilly
Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 3182, Burnaby
D101 Th 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
SSCK 7652, Burnaby
D102 Th 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
SSCK 7652, Burnaby
D103 Th 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
SSCK 7652, Burnaby
D105 Fr 11:30 AM – 1:20 PM
SSCK 7655, Burnaby
D106 Fr 1:30 PM – 3:20 PM
SSCK 7655, Burnaby
D110 Fr 11:30 AM – 1:20 PM
SSCK 7652, Burnaby
D111 Fr 1:30 PM – 3:20 PM
SSCK 7652, Burnaby

and including at least one course from each of the three areas of concentration in communication (see below).

* completion of this quantitative (Q) course satisfies part of the University's Q requirement.

Communication Areas of Concentration

Media and Culture

Explores the history and contexts of media institutions, practices, texts and discourses with particular concern for the way they affect the meaning and experience of culture.

CMNS 220 - Understanding Television (3)

This course examines television, both as a medium of communication and an element of culture. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 and 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jody Baker
Fr 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
SSCC 9002, Burnaby
D101 Th 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
SSCK 8652, Burnaby
D102 Th 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
SSCK 8652, Burnaby
D103 Th 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
SSCK 8652, Burnaby
D104 Th 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
SSCK 8652, Burnaby
D105 Th 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
SSCK 8652, Burnaby
D106 Th 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
SSCK 8652, Burnaby
D107 Th 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
SSCK 8652, Burnaby
D109 Th 4:30 PM – 5:20 PM
TASC2 7460, Burnaby
CMNS 221 - Media and Popular Cultures (3)

Focuses on communication for social change; historical and contemporary perspectives in consumer culture; technology, media and popular culture; media and identity; and communication as public education. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 and 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Martin Laba
Tu 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
HCC 1900, Vancouver
D101 Tu 4:30 PM – 5:20 PM
HCC 2280, Vancouver
D102 Tu 5:30 PM – 6:20 PM
HCC 2280, Vancouver
D103 Tu 6:30 PM – 7:20 PM
HCC 2280, Vancouver
D104 Tu 4:30 PM – 5:20 PM
HCC 2235, Vancouver
D105 Tu 5:30 PM – 6:20 PM
HCC 2235, Vancouver
D106 Tu 6:30 PM – 7:20 PM
HCC 2235, Vancouver
D111 Tu 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
HCC 2235, Vancouver
CMNS 223W - Advertising as Social Communication (3)

An interdisciplinary examination of the significance of advertising as a social message system in our consumer society. The course proposes an analytical method for appreciating the changing styles and functions of advertising in the 20th century. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 and 130. Students with credit for CMNS 223 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jody Baker
Th 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
SSCB 9201, Burnaby
D101 Mo 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D103 Mo 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D104 Mo 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D105 Mo 12:30 PM – 1:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D106 Mo 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D108 Mo 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
CMNS 235 - News Media, the Public, and Democracy (3)

Introduces students to the study of the relationship between public communication, information media practices and structures, and democracy. Examines the role of media and communication in existing and emerging democratic contexts, including print and electronic journalism, alternative media, public spheres, and the challenges of constructing and maintaining a democratic media and communication environment in Canadian and global contexts. Prerequisite: CMNS 130.

Technology and Society

Analyzes topics within the broader field of communication through a focus on information and communication technologies and the knowledge society from the standpoint of scholarship in science and technology studies.

CMNS 253W - Introduction to Information Technology: The New Media (3)

An introduction to new communication/information technologies, seen as new media of communication: the technologies, their uses, and the social issues arising from them. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 or 130. Students with credit for CMNS 253 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
C100 Distance Education
D100 Sun Ha Hong
Mo 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
AQ 3150, Burnaby
D101 We 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
TASC2 7460, Burnaby
D102 We 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
TASC2 7460, Burnaby
D103 We 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
TASC2 7460, Burnaby
D104 We 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
TASC2 7460, Burnaby
D105 We 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
TASC2 7460, Burnaby

Political Economy and Policy

Explores the contested economic, political, and regulatory processes shaping media institutions and communication processes.

CMNS 230 - The Cultural Industries in Canada: Global Context (3)

What do we mean when we talk about the 'cultural industries' today? This course explores the business structure and economics of the cultural sectors, the regulatory and policy frameworks, and their social and cultural contexts. Students are encouraged to develop, compare and contrast at least two sectors from the audio, print or visual industries. While the primary focus is on the Canadian case, students will be encouraged to look at other countries. Overriding themes explore the following: relationships between public and private sectors; independent and commercial creators; rights of creators versus distributors; specialty and general media; indigenous and global contents. Prerequisite: CMNS 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Taeyoung Kim
Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
SSCC 9000, Burnaby
D101 We 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D102 We 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D103 We 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D104 We 1:30 PM – 2:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
D105 We 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
SSCK 8669, Burnaby
CMNS 240 - The Political Economy of Communication (3)

Examination of the political and economic processes that have generated the policies and structures of mass media, telecommunications and related industries; the relationship between the dichotomies of state and market, citizen and consumer, capitalism and democracy, global and local, and sovereignty and globalization in media industries and policies; overview of influences on State and international policies towards the media. Prerequisite: CMNS 110 and 130.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 Th 8:30 PM – 10:20 PM
HCC 1700, Vancouver
E101 Th 4:30 PM – 5:20 PM
HCC 1505, Vancouver
E102 Th 5:30 PM – 6:20 PM
HCC 1505, Vancouver
E103 Th 6:30 PM – 7:20 PM
HCC 1505, Vancouver
E104 Th 7:30 PM – 8:20 PM
HCC 1505, Vancouver

Lower Division Sociology Requirements

Students complete minimum of 22 units, including all of

SA 100W - Perspectives on Canadian Society (SA) (4)

An examination of Canadian society from the perspective of the social sciences -- an introduction both to the nature of Canadian society and to the use of sociological and anthropological concepts applied to the analysis of modern societies in general. This course is meant to appeal to those who specifically wish to expand their knowledge of Canadian Society, and also to those who may be considering further work in sociology and anthropology. Topics to be considered include class structure, the nature of Canada's population, regional variation, gender relations, multiculturalism, native issues. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Amanda Watson
Mo 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
AQ 3149, Burnaby
D101 Mo 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
RCB 6122, Burnaby
D102 Mo 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
RCB 6100, Burnaby
D103 Mo 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 5046, Burnaby
D104 Mo 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
TASC2 7201, Burnaby
D105 Mo 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
RCB 8106, Burnaby
SA 101 - Introduction to Anthropology (A) (4)

Anthropology asks fundamental questions about how people live and interact in different contexts. Engages with contemporary social life around the world, including the relations among people, ideas, and things. Provides analytical tools to help understand the role of culture and society in our lives. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Bascom Guffin
Tu 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
BLU 9660, Burnaby
D101 Tu 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
WMC 3511, Burnaby
D102 Tu 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
WMC 3251, Burnaby
D103 Tu 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
WMC 2533, Burnaby
D104 We 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
WMC 2501, Burnaby
D105 We 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
WMC 2531, Burnaby
D106 We 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
BLU 11901, Burnaby
D107 We 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 3511, Burnaby
D108 We 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 2533, Burnaby
D900 Bascom Guffin
Th 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
SUR 5140, Surrey
D901 Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
SUR 5060, Surrey
D902 Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
,
D903 Th 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
,
D904 Th 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
,
J100 Jenny Shaw
Tu 5:30 PM – 9:20 PM
HCC 1415, Vancouver
SA 150 - Introduction to Sociology (S) (4)

Explores how sociologists study, describe, and explain social life. Introduces the sociological perspective and applies it to fundamental social process and everyday issues. As we consider phenomena ranging from interactions among individuals to societal and global inequalities, students critically examine social issues to build their understanding of the world. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
C900 Suzanna Crage
Distance Education
D100 Lindsey Freeman
Mo 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
SSCB 9201, Burnaby
D101 Mo 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
RCB 8105, Burnaby
D102 Mo 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
RCB 8104, Burnaby
D103 Mo 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
RCB 7105, Burnaby
D104 Tu 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
RCB 8106, Burnaby
D105 Tu 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
RCB 8105, Burnaby
D106 Tu 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
RCB 8104, Burnaby
D107 Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 2501, Burnaby
D108 Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
BLU 11911, Burnaby
D109 Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
BLU 11901, Burnaby
D110 We 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
BLU 10901, Burnaby
D111 We 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
SWH 10075, Burnaby
D112 We 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
RCB 7102, Burnaby
D113 We 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
WMC 2523, Burnaby
D114 We 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
WMC 2521, Burnaby
D115 We 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
WMC 2501, Burnaby
D116 We 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
SWH 10075, Burnaby
D117 We 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
WMC 3531, Burnaby
D118 We 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
WMC 3517, Burnaby
D900 Tu 8:30 AM – 10:20 AM
SUR 5280, Surrey
D901 Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
,
D902 Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
,
D903 Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
,
D904 Tu 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
,
D905 Tu 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
,
D906 Tu 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
,
D907 Tu 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
,
SA 250 - Introduction to Sociological Theory (S) (4)

An account of sociological theory, outlining the main ideas and concepts of the principal schools of thought. Prerequisite: SA 150.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
C100 Distance Education
D100 Cynthia Patton
Mo 4:30 PM – 8:20 PM
WMC 2202, Burnaby
SA 255 - Introduction to Social Research (SA) (4)

Explores how sociologists and anthropologists investigate social relations and contexts. Students learn to develop research questions and turn them into research projects. Introduces data collection techniques and related ethical issues, the relationship between theory and research, and other fundamental concepts and issues involved in conducting qualitative and quantitative research. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nicholas Scott
Tu 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
SWH 10061, Burnaby
D101 Tu 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
BLU 11911, Burnaby
D102 Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
RCB 6122, Burnaby
D103 Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
RCB 6100, Burnaby
SA 257 - Understanding Quantitative Research in Sociology and Anthropology (SA) (4)

Takes the mystery, but not the magic, out of quantitative research in anthropology and sociology by introducing analytical skills necessary for reading, understanding, and critiquing quantitative research. Students evaluate popular coverage of social research; learn concepts related to statistical significance; conduct basic statistical analysis, including designing graphs and tables. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Suzanna Crage
Mo 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
WMC 2202, Burnaby
D101 Mo 12:30 PM – 2:20 PM
AQ 5040, Burnaby
D102 Mo 2:30 PM – 4:20 PM
AQ 5040, Burnaby
D103 Mo 4:30 PM – 6:20 PM
AQ 5040, Burnaby

Upper Division Communication Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 24 communication units. Directed study and field placement courses may not be used.

Upper Division Sociology Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 20 units in upper division SA courses (five courses) which will include

SA 350 - Classical Sociological Thought (S) (4)

An examination of aspects of the work of one or more of the nineteenth or early twentieth century sociological theorists. Prerequisite: SA 250.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Gary Teeple
Tu, Th 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM
AQ 5039, Burnaby

and one of

SA 355 - Quantitative Methods (S) (4)

Examines the methods, concepts and statistical procedures central to quantitative sociological research. Emphasizing the meaningful application of statistical analysis to social issues, the course provides intermediate quantitative research skills. Students use statistics software to conduct applicable statistical analyses and interpret results. Prerequisite: SA 255 and SA 257. Students with credit for SA 355 may not take POL 315 for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nicholas Scott
Th 1:30 PM – 5:20 PM
AQ 5040, Burnaby
SA 356W - Ethnography and Qualitative Methods (SA) (4)

An examination of qualitative field methods, including participant observation, interviewing, archival research, cross-cultural research, life histories, network analysis, mapping, and ethical problems of fieldwork. Prerequisite: SA 255. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jenny Shaw
Th 8:30 AM – 12:20 PM
BLU 9655, Burnaby

and 3 additional SA courses designated sociology (S)

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 65 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0, and a program (major, joint major, extended minor, minor) CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0

Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts options, at least 120 units are required, which include completion of

  • at least 60 units completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative and breadth requirements of the University. Students who complete a joint major, or two extended minors, or an extended minor and a minor, or two minors, may fulfil the breadth requirements in either one or both of their chosen program areas.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

 

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.