Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV

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To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.

| Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Calendar | Fall 2021

Communication Major

Bachelor of Arts

The School of Communication has a long-standing tradition of critical, interdisciplinary approaches to the study of media and technology, with a commitment to social theory and political economy. The school bridges the critical and the applied in its undergraduate programs, and is committed to offering students the opportunities and the means to explore, analyze and critically evaluate the complexities and interplay between the numerous and diverse dimensions of communication.

Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Requirements

Applicants will have a minimum 2.50 Communication grade point average (CMNS GPA) upon completion of at least 2 CMNS lower division courses at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV, each with minimum C- grade, and a minimum 2.00 CGPA.

Continuance Requirements

A minimum 2.25 CMNS GPA and 2.00 CGPA is required to remain in good standing in the program.

CMNS course enrollment requires a C- grade or better in each prerequisite course.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Lower Division 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
Daniel Ahadi
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D112 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D113 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D115 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D116 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
TBD TBD
Vincci Li
Online
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
Distance Education
Svitlana Matviyenko
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D111 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D112 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby

and at least six 200 level CMNS courses, including

CMNS 201W - 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, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 201 or CMNS 260 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Ahmed Al-Rawi
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or 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, with a minimum grade of C-. 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, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 262 may not take CMNS 202 for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Byron Hauck
Taeyoung Kim
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 253 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Distance Education
Sun-ha Hong
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Vancouver
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D106 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver

and one of

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, with a minimum grade of C-.

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, with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Martin Laba
Benjamin Anderson
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Vancouver
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D106 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D107 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D108 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
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, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 223 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

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 with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Adel Farag
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Vancouver

and one of

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 with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Taeyoung Kim
Matthew Greaves
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
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, with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Taeyoung Kim
Matthew Greaves
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

any 200 level CMNS course.

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

Upper Division Requirements

A minimum total of 44 upper division units are required, to include the following:

  • Seven upper division CMNS courses, at least five must be taken at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV.
  • Minimum total of 28 upper division units in CMNS.
  • Including a minimum of two 400 level CMNS courses, at least one must be taken at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV.
  • Including one of the following upper division CMNS "W" courses:

CMNS 304W - Communication in Everyday Life (4)

An examination of a range of theories of everyday language focused on specific forms of discursive practice, including gossip, humour, religion, and sarcasm. Prerequisite: 45 units, including one of CMNS 220, 221, 223, 223W, 235, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 304 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Andrew Hillan
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D109 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CMNS 323W - Cultural Dimensions in Advertising (4)

A cultural-historical examination of contemporary advertising practices as well as a critical exploration of their impact upon different aspects of the consumer society, such as children's culture, pharmaceutical marketing, globalization, political communication and new media. Prerequisite: 45 units including one of CMNS 223W or 253W, with a minimum grade of C-. Writing.

CMNS 455W - Women and New Information Technologies (4)

Topics include the processes through which gendering of technologies takes place; information and communication technologies (ICTs), gender and public and private spheres; issues related to computerization of women's paid and unpaid work; and gender roles and the use of ICTs in relation to health; as well as the contributions which the study of gender and ICTs have made to theoretical debates within science, technology and society studies. Prerequisite: 60 units, including CMNS 253W with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMNS 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD TBD
Layla Cameron
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Directed study and field placement courses may not be used to meet this requirement.

Elective Courses

Unless completing another program outside Communication (e.g., Minor, Major, Joint Major, Honours, Extended Minor), it is strongly recommended that students complete two upper division courses (minimum three units each) outside of Communication, with a minimum C- grade in each.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV 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 Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV 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.

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV study.