成人大片

MDIA 7007 - Media Masters Research Methods

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

This course supports students to develop an advanced understanding of a range of approaches to research within media studies. Discipline specific approaches to online research and qualitative methods are complimented by exploration of qualitative and computational research. As well as critically engaging with a range of advanced media methodologies and research frameworks, students will address research at the applied, theoretical and philosophical levels, and includes weekly insights from active researchers into how these methods are used in their research. Some key questions include: What role does previous literature play in ongoing research? How do the methods we choose in our research shape the kinds of knowledge we produce? What kinds of insights can be gained through different methodologies? What are the politics and ethics of different research methods? What are the central themes of media research and why? How do you structure a research proposal? How do you find and keep track of resources? How do you structure a literature review? How do you structure an argument? Throughout the course, students gain practical experience in a range of approaches to research design and data analysis, and use this to develop a research design appropriate for a thesis project at Master?s level study.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 7007
    Course Media Masters Research Methods
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible MDIA 4002
    Assumed Knowledge Conversion pathway students (48 units) should have completed at least 12 units of Masters of Media (Strat Comm) or MIMT level coursework prior to enrolling in MDIA 7007
    Assessment Short essay x 2, Group Presentation, Research design for thesis.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Kim Barbour

    Course coordinator approval is required for this course. If necessary, the course coordinator will have a discussion with the student about the demoands of the course and the student's academic background.
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Have gained a fuller understanding of the range of research methods available in the field of media
    2. Understand the implications of different research method choices on the kinds of knowledge produced
    3. Understand the components of, and be able to produce a research proposal
    4. Understand the difference between a range of disciplinary approaches to research
    5. Be able to produce a literature review and understand its importance in their own research process
    6. Have gained skills in referencing softwares and data management softwares (if relevant)
    7. Have gained a broad understanding of the research agendas of media studies in general, and how their own project fits within the field.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    4, 5, 7

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This subject will be run as a weekly seminar, with a mix of mini-lecture, student-led discussion, and activities. The course will regularly host guest presenters who are experts in particular areas of media research. Classes will not be recorded.
    Enrolment is in on-campus mode only, and your attendance in class is expected. Very occasional attendance via Zoom may be possible to accommodate minor illness in consultation with the course coordinator, but students should plan to attend each week.
    Students should arrive prepared for class, having completed any necessary reading or other tasks as directed. Active participation in class discussions and activities is a requirement for all enrolled students.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Class time - 3 hours per week, 36 hours per semester
    Required reading - 6 hours per week, 72 hours per semester
    Supplimentary research - 6 hours per week, 72 hours per semester
    Assignment preparation - 132 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Weeks Focus topics
    1-2 Background:
    - What is 'research'?
    - Research in context
    - Approaches to research (ontology, epistemology, methdology)
    3-6 Research in practice:
    - Analysing texts
    - Social media research
    - Creative practice research
    - Researching people
    7-10 Research in application
    - Designing achievable research projects
    - Writing good questions
    - Ethical research practice
    - Collecting and storing data
    - Analysing data
    11-12 Research reporting and translation
    - Theses
    - Artefact + exegesis
    - Academic versus non-academic writing
    - Writing for publication
    - Posters & presentations
     
     

     
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assignment Focus Type Weighting Due
    Short essay 1 (1500-2000 words) Comparative methodological approaches Formative and summative 20% week 5
    Short essay 2 (1500-2000 words) Methods and ethics Formative and summative 20% week 8
    Group presentation (15 minutes) Student led presentation of weekly required reading Formative and summative 20% in-class - scheduled week 1
    Research Design (2000-3000 words) Structured write-up of proposed research design for thesis course Formative and summative 40% week 13
    Assessment Detail
    Short essays
    Based on the course content and your own research. In line with assignment requirements published on MyUni, you will demonstrate advanced understanding of key research methodologies, methods, and ethical considerations, within the context of your intended research field.
    Group presentation
    Working with classmates as allocated by the course coordinator, you will present on one weekly topic, exploring the reading and leading discussion within the cohort.
    Research proposal
    In consultation with the course coordinator, and with input as needed from your program coordinator and thesis supervisor, you will design your major project for your program. This could be a major or minor research thesis, or an artifact and exegesis.
    Submission
    All written assessment, plus presentation slides, to be submitted via MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through .

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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