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) KK642B Media and Communication Studies: Collaborative Media (passed) and KK643B Media and Communication Studies: Research Methodology (passed)

A scientific study is conducted in the course, which is reported in the form of an academic paper. Selection of the problem, methodology and theoretical framework and the collection / creation of empirical material is carried out in consultation with the supervisor. The student must carry out an in-depth study of some part of the media and communication field in the degree project. The student must also critically and constructively evaluate and discuss the degree projects written by others.

The student works with the support of a supervisor to author an academic paper. The academic paper must include an analysis of a scientific problem relevant to the subject (media and communication studies). The degree project must include a description and critical discussion of previous research, selected theories, methodology and results. The problem must be investigated using scientific methods. The work is presented and discussed at a seminar.

After completing the course students shall:

1) demonstrate in-depth knowledge of research issues in media and communication studies.

2) be able to identify and formulate appropriate research questions and identify appropriate methodological and theoretical approaches to find answers to those questions

3) be able to design and carry out a qualitative or quantitative empirical study

4) demonstrate the ability to search for, collect, evaluate and critically interpret relevant literature and empirical material using relevant theoretical framework

5) be able to critically discuss research literature, their empirical results and implications to society

6) have the ability verbally and in writing to communicate the research project to the academic target group

7) demonstrate the ability to make scientific, social and ethical assessments 8) demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge

Teaching is conducted as lectures, seminars and supervision. The course is web-based.

Course examination through: 1) authoring of an essay; 2) the presentation of the essay at the seminar, as well as opposition to another student’s essay/essays, all of which needs to be completed for 15 credits.

Blaikie, Norman (2009) Designing Social Research, 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Strunk, William Jr. and E.B. White (1999) The Elements of Style (fourth edition). New York: Longman.

Additional texts to be read, depending on the choice of subject for dissertation.

Written course evaluation carried out at the end of the course.