S.97-35
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT, ACADEMIC
MEMORANDUM
To: ?
Senate
From: ?
D. Gagan, Chair
Senate Committee on Academic Planning
Subject:
?
School of Communication -
Graduate Curriculum Revisions
(SGSC Meeting Feb. 17, 1997)
(SCAP Reference: SCAP 97-13)
Date: ?
March 14, 1997
Action undertaken by the Senate Graduate Studies Committee and the Senate
Committee on Academic Planning gives rise to the following motion:
Motion:
"that Senate approve and recommend approval to the Board of
Governors as set forth in S.97 - 35 , the curriculum revisions
in the School of Communication."
0
15
January 1997
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION ?
CHANGES FOR 1997 - 1998 CALENDAR
Replace the current calendar description of the field of communication studies (see page 283 of 1996/97
Calendar):
Present Calendar description:
?
Proposed Calendar description:
The study of communication has recently emerged as an
identified academic discipline. At the same time, a
number of the traditional disciplines in the social
sciences, the humanities, and the natural sciences employ
communicational approaches in various areas.
Communicational perspectives are also becoming
prominent in the professions, notably in law, medicine,
counseling, business, labor, education, trade, diplomacy,
advertising, broadcasting, etc. As a social science,
communication is distinctively trans-disciplinary.
The school has drawn on a number of perspectives, but is
most readily distinguished by the fact that it treats
communication as a humanistic social science, and is
concerned with the contexts within which information, in
W
1 its diverse forms, is created, coded, communicated, and
ontrolled. This approach provides students with wide
opportunities to explore both communication theory and
communication practice, as well as the relationship
between the two. It encourages the concrete application
of theory and research to modem society--its historical
origins, its dominant values, its institutions and policies,
its present structure, its current problems and its potential
for change
The School of Communication offers graduate programs
leading to an MA or PhD.
Communication is a comparatively new discipline that
builds on more traditional disciplines in the social
sciences. It focuses on the analysis of the context and
means in which information in all its diverse forms is
created, packaged, circulated, interpreted, and controlled.
As an applied science the study of communication has
become important in the creation and critical evaluation
of legal and public policies in broadcasting,
telecommunications, and community and international
development. The study of communication has also
become prominent in the professions, notably in law,
education, community medicine, counselling, and mental
health, as well as in the fields of business administration,
advertising, and broadcasting.
The School draws on a variety of perspectives, but it is
most readily distinguished by the fact that it treats
communication as a humanistic social science with both
theoretical and applied dimensions. Students are given
wide opportunities to explore communication theory and
practice and are encouraged to apply research and theory
to issues and problems in contemporary societies and
cultures.
The School of Communication offers graduate programs
leading to an MA degree or PhD degree.
Rationale:
This is a more tightly written and accurate description of the field and the perspectives reflected in
the graduate program.
is
2. In the list of Fields of Study and Research, change the line entry "Media analysis, popular culture, cultural
policy" to two separate line entries: "Media and cultural studies" and "Cultural policy and cultural
politics." (see page 283)
Present Calendar description:
?
Proposed Calendar description:
Fields of Study and Research
?
Fields of Study and Research
Present faculty resources provide for graduate studies in
the following general areas of interest. Students may
wish to specialize in one or more of the these general
areas, or to select related aspects from two or more.
Theoretical foundations in communication studies
Communication in history
Broadcasting and telecommunication regulation, policy
and practice
Communication, development and environment
The information society/economy
Computer mediated networks and virtual environments
Publishing
International communication, inter-cultural
communication
Science and technology policy, technology-transfer,
communication of science
Media analysis, popular culture, cultural policy
Acoustic environments and communication
Management of technology
Telework, tele-learning, distance education
Political communication
Communication in conflict and intervention
Crisis/emergency communication
Present faculty expertise provide for graduate studies in
the following general areas of interest. Students may
wish to specialize in one or more of the these general
areas, or to select related aspects from two or more.
Theoretical foundations in communication studies
Communication in history
Broadcasting and telecommunication regulation, policy
and practice
Communication, development and environment
The information society/economy
Computer mediated networks and virtual environments
Publishing
International communication, inter-cultural
communication
Science and technology policy, technology-transfer,
communication of science
Media and cultural studies
Cultural policy and cultural politics
Acoustic environments and communication
Management of technology
Telework, tele-learning, distance education
Political communication
Communication in conflict and intervention
Crisis/emergency communication
Rationale:
These are two related but analytically distinct aspects of the program.
3. With respect to the current list of Research and Training Facilities, add: Virtual Analysis Lab and the
following changes:
Present Calendar description:
?
Proposed Calendar description:
Research and Training Facilities ?
Research and Training Facilities
Sonic Research Studio and Soundscape Archives
?
Sonic Research Studio and Soundscape Archives
Documentation Centre ?
Graduate Resource Centre
Virtual Media Lab (network and multi-media studies)
?
Interactive Media Lab (network and multi-media studies)
Media Analysis Laboratory ?
Media Analysis Laboratory
Telematics Laboratory
?
Telematics Laboratory
Rationale:
Lab/Centre name has changed.
2
4. In the section on "Admission" under the MA Program, add to the list of what should be included with the
$
?
application (see page 284):
Present Calendar description:
?
Proposed Calendar description:
MA Program ?
MA Program
Admission ?
Admission
All applications should be directed to the Graduate
Studies Committee and, in addition to general university
requirements, should include the following.
• a succinct statement of interests and goals, together
with an account of relevant academic and personal
background.
• two samples of scholarly and/or other written work
relevant to the applicant's objectives. In addition, any
tapes, films, etc. the applicant considers relevant.
All applications should be directed to the Graduate
Studies Committee and, in addition to general university
requirements, should include the following.
• a succinct statement of interests and goals, together
with an account of relevant academic and personal
background.
• two samples of scholarly and/or other written work
relevant to the applicant's objectives. In addition, any
tapes, films, etc. the applicant considers relevant.
• references from three persons, at least two of whom
should be familiar with the applicant's academic work.
Rationale: References are currently required and should be reflected in the calendar description.
5.
The final paragraph of the section on Admission to the MA Program currently reads as follows (see page 284):
Present Calendar description:
OWA Program?
Admission
In the Graduate General Regulations section, see 1.3.4.
Admission under Special Arrangements, 1.3.5.
Admission as a Qualifying Student and 1.3.6. Admission
as a Special Student. Students will normally enter the
program in the Fall semester. The annual deadline for
applications is February 1. The committee will announce
its decisions to applicants in April.
Proposed Calendar description:
MA
Program
Admission
The annual deadline for applications is February 1. The
committee will announce its decisions to applicants
before the last week of April. Students will normally
enter the program in the Fall semester.
Rationale:
We already have a very large number of requests for admission as special or qualifying students and
do not wish to encourage this trend. Other departments and schools do not draw attention to this option in their
program descriptions, therefore we wish to drop this sentence. We recently moved up the deadline to Feb. 1 to
enable the School's GSC to inform applicants of results in a timely manner so as to reduce the likelihood of losing
good applicants offered admission elsewhere. The calendar should reflect the change in School policy.
.
3
6.
A further paragraphshould follow the last paragraph in section on Admission to the MA Program. It would
read as follows (see page 284):
Proposed Calendar description:
The School recognizes the special needs of individuals
now working who wish to upgrade their qualifications.
The graduate program in Communication has been
approved for part-time students; however, University
regulations require all MA students to complete their
studies within twelve full-time equivalent semesters or
six years, whichever is shorter.
Rationale:
We currently receive many enquiries concerning the possibility of part-time enrollment in the
graduate program. This would help to clarify the situation. Something comparable appears in calendar entries for
other programs approved for part-time study.
7.
With regard to the section on Advising and Supervision under the MA Program, change on page 284:
Present Calendar description:
?
Proposed Calendar description:
Advising and Supervision
Each new student is assigned an interim advisor upon
admission to the program. The student is expected to
select a Senior Supervisor and in consultation with this
faculty member to select one or two other faculty to serve
on a Supervisory Committee by the beginning of the
student's third semester. Although the GSC will endea
to provide interim advisors with expertise in the student
stated area of research interest, there is no obligation to
select the interim advisor as Senior Supervisor.
Advising and Supervision
Students are advised to read the Graduate General
Regulations and the school's terms of reference for
supervisory committee.
Rationale:
This statement is needed to clarify current practice since the introduction of interim advisors several
years ago.
0
El
8. With regard to Degree Requirements for the MA Program, change on page 284:
Present Calendar description: ?
Proposed Calendar description:
Wegree Requirements ?
Degree Requirements
Graduate courses are organized into six groups. Group I
contains survey courses that define and map the field in
addition to exposing students to faculty interests and
programs of research. Group 2 contains courses in
research methods and methodology designed to help
students with research projects in the field. Group 3
contains courses in the various research areas available in
the School. Group 4 courses provide the opportunities
for students to do fieldwork or to work and study in a
professional setting. Group
5
courses allow students the
opportunity to carry out research and/or reading under
the direct supervision of a faculty member. Group 6
refers to the course designations for work on theses,
projects, extended essays, or dissertations in process, for
colloquia where students present such work, and for
comprehensive examinations.
Candidates for the Masters degree must normally satisfy Candidates for the Masters degree must normally satisfy
the following: ?
the following:
• Course work consisting of at least six courses at the
raduate level (normally completed before beginning a
hesis, a project, or extended essays) which must include
the following.
• one of CMNS 800-5, 801-5 or
802-5
• CMNS 860-2 (graduate colloquium)
• Four additional courses, at least two of which are to be
selected from within the school and may include courses
shown in the first point above. A maximum of two
courses may be directed studies. No more than one
course of directed studies or special topics may be
completed with the same instructor except by permission
of the Director of the School.
• an original thesis or
• an original project which, because of content or
method, does not conform to the usual definition of
a thesis; or
• extended essays: at least two extended essays in the
form of research papers to be submitted and
defended orally. These papers will be bound and
deposited in the University Library. Procedures
used in the supervision and examination of extended
essays are the same as those used for theses.
• supervision
• a supervisory committee should be approved by the
•
Graduate Studies Committee at the beginning of the
third semester.
• formal review: graduate degree candidates will have an
annual formal review of their academic progress by the
Graduate Studies Committee.
Course Work
At least six courses at the graduate level (normally
completed before beginning a thesis, a project, or two
extended essays) which must include the following.
• one course from Group 1
• one course from Group 2
• CMNS 860-2 (graduate colloquium)
• three additional courses at least one of which is to be
selected from within the School and may include other
courses from Groups 1 and 2. A maximum of two
courses may be taken from Groups 4 and
5.
No more
than one Group 4 or
5
course may be taken with the
same instructor, except by permission of the Graduate
Studies Committee.
• an original thesis or
• an original project which, because of content or
method, does not conform to the usual definition of
a thesis; or
• extended essays: at least two extended essays in the
form of research papers to be submitted and
defended orally. These papers will be bound and
deposited in the University Library. Procedures
used in the supervision and examination of extended
essays are the same as those used for theses.
• supervision
• a supervisory committee should be approved by the
Graduate Studies Committee at the beginning of the
third semester.
• formal review: graduate degree candidates will have an
annual formal review of their academic progress by the
Graduate Studies Committee.
5
Group 1 Courses: Surveys of History and Theory
CMNS 800-5, 802-5,
804-5
Group 2 Courses: Research Design and Methods
CMNS
801-5, 805-5
Group 3 Courses: Research Area Courses
CMNS 815-5,
830-5,
840-5,
845-5, 855-5, 856-5, 859-5,
870-5, 871-4, 872-4
Group 4 Courses: Research Internship and Fieldwork
CMNS 881-5, 882-5
Group 5 Courses: Directed Readings and Studies
CMNS
850-5, 851-5,
880-5
Group 6 Courses: Colloquia, Theses and
Comprehensives
CMNS 860-2,
895,
898, 899
Rationale:
The new text reflects a new way of thinking about the grouping of courses and strengthens
requirements to ensure MA. candidates take at least one course in research design and methods.
9. With regard to the text on the PhD program, the two sections entitled "Critical Analysis of Media" and "Social
Implications of Communications" should be deleted as well as the final words of the introductory paragraph which
reads: "among which are two foci."(see page 284)
Present Calendar description:
?
Proposed Calendar description:
PhD Program ?
PhD Program
The school will offer PhD students the opportunity to
choose from the fields of study and research listed
above in context with faculty interests, among which
are two foci:
The school will offer PhD students the opportunity to
choose from the fields of study and research listed
above under Faculty and Areas of Research and Fields
of Study and Research (see page 283).
0
Critical Analysis of Media ?
Delete
The nature, role, import, and function of mass media
onstitute essential concerns of the critical analysis area
of communication studies. From a social scientific
perspective, critical analysis explores relationships
between mass media and larger sociocultural,
behavioral, political, and economic systems. From a
technical perspective, the media are analyzed in terms of
actual practice; that is, how technology operates and is
utilized to particular ends. Both areas provide a
comprehensive and detailed description of the
processes, and a conceptual framework for analysis of
contemporary mass media.
Social Implications of Communications ?
Delete
The major areas of study in this field are
communications policy, regulatory issues, and the
social consequences of information technologies ("the
information society").
The study of communication policy encompasses ?
Delete
broadcasting, film and telecommunication. The
emphasis is on the institutional, social, economic, and
political factors that shape the specific policies applied
in each area. Regulation of media, and the application
of new technologies to cultural development, or for
service to rural or remote areas, in a focus of concern.
Ole study of information technology from a social ?
Delete
scientific perspective is concerned with: the social
context in which communication and information
technology are being developed; what the technology is,
what it does, what resources it requires, how it meshes
and conflicts with existing social structures, and how it
changes and is changed by those same structures. The
relation between a society, the social goals of its
members, and its media of communication is the
primary theoretical focus of this area.
Rationale:
The doctoral program has evolved to encompass faculty teaching and student research across a wider
set offacully interests without confinement to the two areas emphasized by the calendar text.
10. Under the category "Admission" to the PhD program, the fourth item applicants are asked to provide reads as
follows (see page 284):
Present Calendar description:
Admission
• the names of three persons qualified to assess the
student's potential; (at least two should be from
academic sources).
Proposed Calendar description:
Admission
• references from three persons, (at least two of whom
should be familiar with the applicant's academic
work).
Rationale:
This is a more accurate description of current requirements.
7
11. The final paragraph under "Admission" to the PhD program reads as follows (see page 284):
Present Calendar description:
Students will normally be expected to enter the program
in the Fall semester. The annual deadline for
applications is February 1. The committee will
announce its decisions to applicants in April.
Proposed Calendar description:
Students will normally be expected to enter the program
in the Fall semester. The annual deadline for
applications is February 1. The committee will announce
its decisions to applicants before the last week of April.
Rationale:
This is in line with current School policy.
12.
Under the section on "Degree Requirements" delete the section on the "Language Requirement" (see page
284).
Present Calendar description: ?
Proposed Calendar description:
Language Requirement ?
Delete
To graduate with a PhD, students will normally be
required to demonstrate a reading ability in one
language other than English that is acceptable to the
student's Supervisory Committee. Ability is
determined by a time-limited examination of the
translation into English of a passage from an
appropriate Communication document or text. A
dictionary is permitted. A waiver of this requirement
requires permission of the Graduate Studies Committee.
Rationale:
We have found that the majority of our students already speak two or more languages at a
proficiency level we require. If additional linguistic expertise is required due to the nature of a student's
dissertation topic, the Student's Supervisory Committee and the Graduate Studies Committee will determine
appropriate strategies for acquiring increased proficiency (see the statement under "Course Work" below).
13.
Change preliminary paragraph under "Course Work" to read as follows (see page 284):
Present Calendar description:
Course Work
nine graduate courses (not including CMNS 860) are
required for those entering with a Bachelors degree, or
six graduate courses (not including CMNS 860) for
students who have completed a Masters degree. A
student's Supervisory Committee may require
additional courses relevant to the dissertation. These
are normally completed before taking the
Comprehensive Examination, or beginning a
dissertation, and will include the following:
Proposed Calendar description:
Course Work
Course work consisting of a minimum of nine courses
at the graduate level for those students entering with a
Bachelors degree (including CMNS 860-2) or five
graduate courses for students who have completed a
Masters degree. The Graduate Studies Committee may
require additional courses depending upon a student's
background and dissertation project. These courses are
normally completed before taking the Comprehensive
Examinations, or beginning a dissertation, and will
include the following:
Rationale:
There is an inconsistency in the existing Calendar description of PhD course loads. The current
description describes the requirement as nine courses for students entering with a Bachelors degree and six for
students entering with a Masters degree, excluding the required two credit Colloquium courses for MA and PhD
students. But further down under the list of courses, the totals include the Colloquium. In practice the School has
always included the Colloquium in the totals of nine and six courses. Because we are making the PhD
Colloquium optional (see below) the requirement drops to five courses for students entering with an MA. We
have decided to leave the required course total at nine for students entering from a BA and will require them to ta
the Colloquium.
8
14. Under "Course Work" required to qualify for the PhD, the list of courses is changed as follows (see page
284):
Present Calendar description:
Course Work
• two of group I courses
• Research Methods (CMNS
805)
• PhD Colloquium (CMNS 885)
• For those entering with a Bachelors degree, five
additional courses. At least three of these courses must
be taken from courses offered by the school. For those
entering with a Masters degree, they must take two
additional courses. A maximum of two courses may be
group V courses; and no more than one course of
directed studies or selected topics may be taken with the
same instructor except by permission of the Director of
the School.
• Students will be required by the Communications
Graduate Studies Committee to demonstrate adequate
command of any language essential to the completion
of their dissertation.
Proposed Calendar description:
Course Work
• two courses from Group 1
• one course from Group 2
• a minimum of two additional five-credit courses for
students entering with a Master's degree at least one of
which is to be selected from within the School and may
include other courses from Groups 1 and 2. A
minimum of five additional courses will be required of
students admitted to the PhD Program who have not first
obtained a Masters degree. CMNS 860-2, the Graduate
Colloquium is required for students entering with a
Bachelors degree and may be included as one of the six
required courses. A minimum of four of these courses
must be taken from course offerings within the School.
For all students a maximum of 2 courses may be taken
from Groups 4 and
5.
No more than 2 of Group 4 or
5
course may be taken with the same instructor, except by
permission of the Graduate Studies Committee.
• Students will be required by the Communication
Graduate Studies Committee to demonstrate adequate
command of any language deemed essential to the
completion of their dissertations.
14 a).The list of course groupings is changed as follows (see page 284):
Group 1 Courses: Surveys of History and Theory
CMNS 800-5, 802-5, 804-5
Group 2 Courses: Research Design and Methods
CMNS 801-5,
805-5
Group 3 Courses: Research Area Courses
CMNS 815-5,
830-5, 840-5, 845-5, 855-5, 856-5, 859-5,
870-5, 871-4, 872-4
Group 4 Courses: Research Internship and Fieldwork
CMNS 881-5, 882-5
Group
5
Courses: Directed Readings and Studies
CMNS 850-5, 851-5,
880-5
Group 6 Courses: Colloquia, Theses and
Comprehensives
CMNS 860-2,
895,
898, 899
0
roup 1 Courses
MNS 800, 801, 802
Group II Courses
CMNS 805 Research Methods
Group ifi Courses
CMNS 810, 815, 830, 840, 845, 856,
859,
882
Group IV Courses
CMNS 860, 885
Group V Courses
CMNS 850,
851, 855,
880, 881
Group VI Courses
CMNS 898, 899
Rationale:
The new text reflects the new groupings of courses. Students are still obliged to take 3 courses in
theory and research methods. In Group 2 Students now have the option, however, of taking CMNS 801-5,
Design and Methodology in Communication Research, or CMNS 805-5, Communication Research Methods and
Techniques. Because the Colloquium is now being used to assist students to grasp the essentials of writing and
fending a thesis, the School feels its no longer necessary for PhD students who already have had experience of
riting and defending a Masters Thesis to take the course.
15. With reference to the section on "Advising and Supervision" under the PhD program, change on page 285:
?
Present Calendar description:
?
Proposed Calendar description:
Regulations
Students
for supervisory
are
and
advised
committees.
the Communication
to read
?
section 6 of
Terms
the
General
of reference
?
Regulations
Students
Committees.
are advised
and School's
to read
Guidelines
Section 6
for
of the
Supervisory
General
0
At the time of admission, in consultation with the
graduate student, the Graduate Program Committee will
appoint a senior supervisor. Upon his/her
recommendation, a supervisory committee will be formed
and approved no later than the end of the second
semester in residence. This committee will normally
consist of at least three faculty members, two of whom
must be student's field of specialization (e.g., Sociology,
Psychology, Linguistics). The committee's
responsibilities are detailed in 6.4 of the
Graduate
General Regulations.
Students have the right to discuss their programs and
their status with the Communications Graduate Studies at
any stage. They also have the right to ask for a review of
any recommendation or grade, and the right to appeal
any decision of any committee, supervisor or faculty.
Each new student is assigned an interim advisor upon
admission to the program. The student is expected to
select a Senior Supervisor and in consultation with this
faculty member to select two or three other faculty to
serve on a Supervisory Committee by the beginning of
the student's third semester. Although the GSC will
endeavor to select interim advisors with expertise in the
student's stated area of research interest, there is no
obligation to choose the interim advisor to be Senior
Supervisor.
Students have the right to discuss their programs and
their status with the Communications Graduate Studies at
any stage. They also have the right to ask for a review of
any recommendation or grade, and the right to appeal
any decision of any committee, supervisor or faculty.
Rationale:
The revised text reflects current policy in the School.
16. The following are proposed changes for "Graduate Courses" descriptions as listed on page 285:
Present Calendar description:
CMNS 801-5 Design and Methodology in
Communication Research
Problems and methods of communication research.
Theoretical assumptions of communication
methodology. Examination of research studies and field
studies as case study examples. Students may design a
research project in a selected area.
CMNS 802-5 History of Communication Theory
An historical analysis of classic works in communication
theory.
Proposed Calendar description:
CMNS
801-5
Design and Methodology in
Communication Research
An examination of problems, methods and theoretical
assumptions in communication research using case
studies of research design and methods. Students may
design a research project and conduct a small pilot study
in a selected area.
CMNS 802-5 History of Communication Theory
A survey of classic works, issues, and debates in
communication theory.
CMNS 810-5 Advanced Communication Theory ?
CMNS
804-5
Seminar in Communication Theory
Seminar on contemporary theories of communication
and review of applications
Rationale:
The change in number is desirable to designate this course as one of the low even numbered survey
courses of which every student must take at least one.
CMNS 830-5 Communication Media: Research and
Development
An Analysis of specific problems centered on the
sociological and politico-economic complexities
associated with the rapid expansion of communications
technologies and systems. Particular attention will be paid
to the relation of communications policy to social and
economic development in Canada and in the Third World
countries.
CMNS 830-5 Communication Media: Research and
Theory
An analysis of recent research, issues, and debates centred
on the social, cultural, and politico-economic dimensions
of contemporary media and cultural industries in Canada
and globally.
10
CMNS
855-5
Selected Topics
Concentrated studies in areas of specialization.
a
CMNS
860-2
Graduate Colloquium
Critical discussion of selected problems in
communication. MA students must complete this course
once before graduation; S/U standing only.
CMNS
885-2 PhD
Colloquium
CMNS
855-5
Selected Topics in Communication
Studies
Specialized one-time graduate course offerings on topics
related to the current research of School faculty or
visiting professors.
CMNS
860-2
Graduate Colloquium
Discussion of essentials of researching, writing, and
defending a thesis. Presentation by students of thesis-
related research plans or results, thesis architecture, or
finished chapters for critical review by faculty and
students. MA students must complete this course once
before proceeding to a thesis defense. S/U standing only.
Delete
CMNS
895
Comprehensive Examination
Examination of three areas of which one must be on the
theoretical or methodological framework/procedures
indicated by the proposed dissertation. S/U standing
only. The exam may be retaken once in the event of
unsatisfactory performance.
Rationale:
CMNS 895 Comprehensive Examination. This new number is to distinguish between students
preparing for Comprehensive Exams, and students who have completed their exams. Both are currently
registering under CMNS 899 (Thesis).
.
.
11
