Overview
This course provides an introduction to key topics, debates, issues, and theoretical approaches in communication studies in a Canadian context. In this course, we explore questions of communication and map the contours of the field. We particularly examine the role that mass media play in society and the ways they are shaped by politico-economic and sociocultural factors. Topics include how media policies, trends in ownership, production practices, and audiences impact our mediascape with a focus on the Canadian context. We also look at different approaches to media content analysis and emerging trends in platform economics, influencer cultures, and artificial intelligence.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, students should be able to
- understand the key topics, debates, and issues in communication studies and map the contours of the field;
- examine the role that communication and mass media play in society, with a particular focus on the Canadian context;
- critically analyze media practices and media uses in our daily lives; and
- improve their ability to convey ideas through structured written assignments.
Outline
CMNS 201 consists of 10 units:
- Unit 1: Introduction to Mass Media Communication
- Unit 2: What Is Mass Communication?
- Unit 3: Media Audiences
- Unit 4: Regulating Mass Media in Canada—The CRTC & Copyright Law
- Unit 5: Media Ownership
- Unit 6: Mass Media, Representation & Identity
- Unit 7: Digital Networks—Opportunities & Risks
- Unit 8: Social Media
- Unit 9: Influencer Industries—Audiences, Cultures & Economies
- Unit 10: Artificial Intelligence’s Impacts on Mass-Mediated Culture
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 Analysis | 10% |
| Assignment 2: Midterm Reading Exercise | 20% |
| Assignment 3: Synthesis Paper | 25% |
| Assignment 4: Moral Panic vs. Critical Analysis | 20% |
| Final Examination | 25% |
| 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.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
All course materials, including a Study Guide, Course Information, and assigned readings, are available online through the course site.
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.
| Activity | Weight |
| Take home assignment | 50% |
| Exam | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Challenge for credit course registration form