Communication Studies (CMNS) 201
Introduction to Mass Media (Revision 5)

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Delivery Mode: Individualized study online (with eTextbook)
Credits: 3
Area of Study: Social Science
Prerequisite: None
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
Communication Studies home page
CMNS 201 has a Challenge for Credit option.
Overview
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.
Course 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 | Weighting |
---|---|
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 taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
eText
Registration in this course includes an electronic textbook. For more information on electronic textbooks, please refer to our eText Initiative site.
Shade, L. R. (2014). Mediascapes: New patterns in Canadian communication (4th ed.). Toronto, ON: Nelson Education.
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.
Challenge 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 | Weighting |
---|---|
Take home assignment | 30% |
Exam | 70% |
Total | 100% |
Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form
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.
Opened in Revision 5, May 31, 2017
View previous syllabus