This course provides an introduction to key topics, debates, issues, and theoretical approaches in Communication Studies. In this course, we explore questions of communication and map the contours of the field. We particularly examine the role the mass media play in society and the ways they are shaped by politico-economic and socio-cultural factors. Topics include how media policies, trends in ownership, production practices, and audiences impact our mediascape, with a focus on the Canadian context. We pay particular attention to how digital media practices are impacting these approaches, debates, and issues.
Objectives
To gain an overview of the key topics, debates, and issues in communication studies and map the contours of Communication Studies
To examine the role that communication and mass media play in society, with a particular focus on the Canadian context
To critically analyze media practices and media uses in our daily lives
To improve the ability to convey ideas through structured written assignments
Outline
Unit 1: Defining Communication
Unit 2: Defining Mass Media
Unit 3: Media Audiences
Unit 4: Media Policy
Unit 5: Critical Approaches and the Political Economy of Media
Unit 6: Cultural Studies and Media Representation
Unit 7: Digital Media and the Internet
Unit 8: Social Media
Evaluation
To receive credit for CMNS 201, you must pass each assignment and the final examination with a minimum grade of 50%. The weighting of the composite mark is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1: Media Log and Blog
15%
Assignment 2: Midterm Readings Exercise
20%
Assignment 3: Synthesis Paper
25%
Assignment 4: Reflective Blog
10%
Final Examination
30%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Shade, L. R. (2013). Mediascapes: New Patterns in Canadian Communication (4th ed.). Top Hat. (PDF)
Other Materials
The course materials also include an online Study Guide, Course Information, and AU Student Manual. All other reading materials for the course are available online through the Digital Reading Room.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the CMNS 201 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.