Course description
This course is an introduction to the forms, theories, and institutions of communication as they relate to broader social change challenges. Students will engage with issues related to the study of communications, technology, and social change, with a specific focus on the social and cultural dimensions of media, ownership, development, and conflict. Students will address contemporary issues in and around themes of change and be encouraged to explore the role of media in social movements, international development, politics, democracy, capitalism, and global change.
Course content
Students will be exposed to a range of issues facing society at various levels, from domestic to
global. Specific focus will be given to issues of political economy, media industries and power,
technological innovation and disruptions and contemporary societal shifts.
A range of subjects will be used to structure investigation into these issues; this may include
(but is not limited to):
- Participatory culture and activism
- Disaster response and communications
- Citizen journalism
- Networked social movements
- Fan activism
- Free speech
- Alternative infrastructure/media ownership
Learning activities
Instruction will consist of weekly lectures, as well as seminar-style discussions of specific issues
and case studies. Students will be required to engage in weekly case study research,
demonstrating their ability to bring theory into conversation with lived experience.
Some or all of the following methods may be used:
- Lecture/seminar
- Media (including video and documentary film)
- Discussion of class readings and materials
- Independent research
- Group discussion and debate
- Student-provided materials
Means of assessment
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the
Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the
course. The exact means of assessment will be responsive to the adjusting media landscape.
An example of assessment types and weights is below:
- Case study journal 30%
- Position paper/presentation 20%
- Mid-term exam 20%
- Final exam 20%
- Attendance and participation 10%
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and interpret the various sides of complex domestic, international, and global
issues, with an emphasis on moving away from binary arguments of "right" and "wrong"
- Demonstrate an understanding of theory through the analysis of contemporary case
studies in media and social change
- Engage with both structured group discussions and independent research
- Research and analyze a particular issue of social change in depth, resulting in a well-
rounded and academically grounded position on the role of media in specific social
change practices
- Respond to prompts and debates in the field of communication and social change
Textbook materials
Suggested texts:
There is no assigned textbook for this course. Readings will be made available to students and
will cover canonical readings and recent peer-reviewed journal articles.