Researching Culture, Film and Media
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC2004 | Media, Languages and Cultures | 2 | 20 | Full Year Malaysia |
- Code
- MLAC2004
- School
- Media, Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year Malaysia
Summary
This module will introduce students to the key issues and approaches at stake in media and communications research, familiarising them with a sample of qualitative and quantitative methods for investigating interdisciplinary research topics. The course will focus on the implications of processes of mediated communication for researchers alongside epistemological challenges to research including feminism and postmodernism. Students will be expected to identify their own topic of research and to select and reflect upon the appropriateness of particular methods to their subject.
Target Students
Compulsory module for second year students enrolled in the core International Communication Studies (ICS), ICS with Film and Television Studies, and ICS with English Language and Literature.
Classes
- One 1-hour workshop each week for 22 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 22 weeks
Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Research Assignment
- 50% Project 1: Individual research proposal (2,500 words)
Educational Aims
To familiarize students with the wide range of interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge production.To encourage students to make informed decisions regarding the appropriateness of particular methodological approaches to concrete communications contexts.To enable students to identify, plan, and carry out a communications research topic of their own choosing.Learning Outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding: This module will provide students with:
- an understanding of the varied and interdisciplinary methods used in cultural research;
- an appreciation of the distinction between qualitative and quantitative methods and the uncertainties and limits of particular methodologies and theoretical approaches;
- an awareness of the implications of technological, discursive and generic mediation upon communication processes;
- an appreciation of the importance of audiences and contexts to the understanding of communications processes;
- an understanding of the pragmatics of research processes. B Intellectual Skills: This module will encourage:
- the ability to identify an appropriate topic for investigation;
- the ability to practically deploy specific research methods and tailor them to specific objectives of investigation;
- verbal and written communication skills;
- an appreciation of the ethical and political issues at stake in researching communications;
- self-reflection regarding processes of knowledge production. C Transferable (key) Skills: This module will encourage transferable skills such as:
- the ability to retrieve, analyse, and produce information;
- the ability to organize, articulate and present specific research findings;
- working autonomously and effectively to deadline;
- confidence in exploring new and emerging issues and acquiring new competencies and skills.
Conveners
- Dr Bee Yin Joanne Lim