Syllabus, valid from 2017-01-16
Syllabus, valid from 2017-01-16
Title
Media and Communication Studies: Research Methodology
Swedish title
Media and Communication Studies: Research Methodology
Course code
KK643B
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2016-11-16
Syllabus valid from
2017-01-16
Level
Advanced level
Entry requirements
Prerequisite courses for this course are: KK640B Media and Communication Studies: Key Themes in Media and Communication Studies (passed) KK641B Media and Communication Studies: Understanding the Creative Industries (passed) and KK642B Media and Communication Studies: Collaborative Media (passed)
Main field
Media and Communications Science
Progression level
A1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course is included in the main field of media and communication studies, and can be part of the degree requirements for each master's degree (60 or 120 credits).
Course objectives
Research Methodology is a course in research methodology and the theory of knowledge. It examines epistemological problems as well as both basic and more exploratory scientific methods relevant to media and communication studies.
Course contents
Based on the lectures and the reading list, students acquire knowledge and skills with respect to different methods relevant to media and communication studies. The course provides students with the methodological foundation required to complete an independent degree project.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course students shall:
1) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and the thinking behind the different research paradigms relevant to Media and Communication Studies
2) demonstrate the ability to describe and discuss different methods and their areas of application, their strengths and weaknesses and their epistemological roots
3) demonstrate the ability to formulate research questions, design a scientific study and choose relevant methods based on a specific research questions
4) demonstrate the ability to reflect over methodological aspects that are related to different research paradigms, and to able see the relationship between the theoretical basis and the choice of research method
5) demonstrate the ability to identify and apply relevant method/methods for different media and communication issues
6) demonstrate the ability within the media and communication field of knowledge to assess and evaluate the methodological relevance of the different studies
7) demonstrate the ability to critically reflect over one’s own role and position as a researcher
8) demonstrate the ability to critically discuss and analyse ethically related issues in connection with media and communication studies
9) demonstrate the ability to reflect over issues related to scientific theory
Learning activities
The course is based on lectures, seminars, reading list, supervision and an individual task. The course is web-based.
Assessment
Course examination through individual work, in which the student on the one hand, gains practical experience in working with a method selected by the student and on the other hand, reflect over and discuss methodological issues relevant to media and communication studies in general.
Course literature and other study material
Collins, Hilary (2010) Creative Research. The Theory and Practice of Research for the Creative Industries. Lausanne, Switzerland: AVA Books.
Pickering, Michael (red.) (2008) Research Methods for Cultural Studies. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Blaikie, Norman (2009) Designing Social Research, 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Savage, Mike (2013) ”The ’Social Life of Methods’: A Critical Introduction”, Theory, Culture and Society 30(4): 3-21.
Also literature in connection with carrying out the individual task.
Course evaluation
Written course evaluation carried out at the end of the course.