MDIA 7007 - Media Masters Research Methods
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024
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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 .
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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.
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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 semesterLearning 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 people7-10 Research in application
- Designing achievable research projects
- Writing good questions
- Ethical research practice
- Collecting and storing data
- Analysing data11-12 Research reporting and translation
- Theses
- Artefact + exegesis
- Academic versus non-academic writing
- Writing for publication
- Posters & presentations
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- 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 .
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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.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
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