Media and Communication Research Methods 2

Code

INCM4039

School

School of International Communications

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

This module enhances students’ ability to reflect critically on methodological issues pertaining to research carried out in cultural studies, film studies, media studies, communication studies and related fields. Such reflection might centre on review and revision of proposals for students’ individual dissertation projects. Issues include practical, ethical and epistemological dimensions of media and communication research.

Please note this module is assessed at the end of spring semester.  First sit/ Resit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.

Target Students

MA students in International Communications and related programmes at the University of Nottingham Ningbo campus Available to JYA/Erasmus students.

Classes

• One 2-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

One hour lecture per week x 10 weeks = 10 hours;Two hour seminar per week x 10 weeks = 20 hours. Plus independent study = 70 hours.

Assessment

• 85% Coursework 1: 2,000 words
• 15% In-class exam 1 (not in the exam period) (1-hour): 1 hour Multiple Choice Questions

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

a) Knowledge and Understanding: A2 demonstrate a sound knowledge of media and communications research methods and A5 their respective advantages and disadvantages; demonstrate an understanding of how to choose appropriate media and communications research methods to address research questions and/or to test hypotheses.b) Intellectual skills: B2 critically assess the limitations of existing research methods as a means of understanding communications and, B6 where possible, suggest alternatives, both orally and in writing. c) Professional/practical skills: analyse research source materials and examples of communications across a range of media; C1 locate source materials and examples of communications; C1 take notes summarising and articulating knowledge of media and communication research methods and their role in developing an understanding of communications within and between differing institutional, social and cultural settings. d) Transferable skills: D4 communicate clearly in oral presentations; display analytical skills; demonstrate well-structured written commentary based upon a critical/evaluative reading of sources; D5 contribute to discussion, responding to and developing the ideas of others; use information retrieval skills; develop judgement; develop the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Conveners

• Dr SADIA JAMIL