MEDC 5460: Media Research

Course Description

This course introduces students to the major research methodologies, communication theories, and topics of study within media research. Theories, models, and methods are applied toward the development of research projects. Students discuss and examine qualitative and quantitative methods of media research employed by various aspects of the media.

Prerequisites

MEDC 5000 Media Communications required and MEDC 5310 Media and Culture strongly recommended.

Incoming Competencies

Students are expected to perform graduate level work, including writing and basic research. Also, as for all Internet courses, students must be disciplined and self-motivated.

Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this course:

Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of elements of media research including qualitative and quantitative research methods, development of a problem, literature review, data collection and analysis.

Students will be able to demonstrate proficient use of MLA (Modern Language Association) research style for format, internal citations, and works cited.

Students will be able to detect underlying values, messages and patterns from a variety of media texts.

Students will develop and conduct a pilot research project that includes a hypothesis or problem statement, methodology, content analysis codebook, literature review, data collection and analysis, summary, recommendations for future study and works cited.

Students will understand and master writing skills necessary for preparation of written analysis, reports and case studies including English grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, word choice, and syntax.

Required Textbooks and Course Materials

Please go to MBS Direct to find the appropriate textbooks and other materials for this course.

Please be aware when purchasing your textbooks that the International versions of the text may differ from the Domestic (North American) version required for your course.

Course Activities

Reading
Active participation in weekly discussions
Small group work
Written assignments
Research paper

University Policy Statements

This course is governed by the University's policies, as published in the University catalog. They can also be found online at http://www.webster.edu/gradcatalog/policies.shtml.

Any student caught cheating or committing plagiarism may fail the class and be subject to further disciplinary action.

This syllabus may be revised at the discretion of the instructor without the prior notification or consent of the student.

Programs Students Faculty Help About OLC