MDIA 2302 - Researching Media

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

Research is central to all media activity, whether carried out in commercial, public or academic contexts. This course aims to bring together the theoretical and practical elements of research in the media. Students will be exposed to various research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, as they affect the changing media landscape and its evaluation. Students will be exposed to different theoretical paradigms of media research, analysis of competing frameworks for defining the media as object of study, and to debate on issues such as research ethics, intellectual property, effective communication of research findings and cultural sensitivity, among others.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 2302
    Course Researching Media
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of Level I undergraduate study, including 3 units of MDIA Level I courses
    Incompatible MDIA 2204
    Course Description Research is central to all media activity, whether carried out in commercial, public or academic contexts. This course aims to bring together the theoretical and practical elements of research in the media. Students will be exposed to various research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, as they affect the changing media landscape and its evaluation. Students will be exposed to different theoretical paradigms of media research, analysis of competing frameworks for defining the media as object of study, and to debate on issues such as research ethics, intellectual property, effective communication of research findings and cultural sensitivity, among others.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr John Budarick

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Demonstrate knowledge of research literacy
    2 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of basic research methods
    3 Demonstrate an understanding of the significant risk and ethical issues raised by the conduct of media research
    4 Demonstrate a working knowledge of the theories and frameworks through which media are analysed and understood
    5 Demonstrate familiarity with research into media audiences and users
    6 Develop an understanding of media industries and institutions, particularly the role that research plays within the knowledge economy and future career development
    7 Develop a high level of written and oral communication skills
    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.

    2,3,4,5,6

    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.

    3,4,6,7

    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.

    1,2,3,5,6,7

    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 Resources
    Required Resources

    Required readings will be provided to all students electronically.

    Recommended Resources
    The following textbooks are recommended, but there are many more available:
    · Anderson, James A. 2012, Media Research Methods: Understanding Metric and Interpretive Approaches, Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE [A complex and challenging read!]
    · Berger, Arthur A. 2011, Media and Communication Research Methods, 2nd ed., Los Angeles: SAGE Publications [New edition of a classic, which is quite readable]
    · Jensen, Klaus (ed.) 2012, A Handbook of Media and Communication Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies, 2nd ed., New York: Routledge [An excellent book with an emphasis on use of theory in research]
    · Priest, Susanna H. 2010, Doing Media Research: An Introduction, 2nd ed., London: SAGE [Good on the total process of research]
    · Webster, James G., Phalen, Patricia F. and Lichty, Lawrence W. 2006, Ratings Analysis: The Theory and Practice of Audience Research, 3rd ed., Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates [Focused on only one area, but it’s important and this is comprehensive]
    · Weerakkody, Niranjala D. 2008, Research Methods for Media and Communication, Melbourne: Oxford University Press [One of the few Australian media research texts and covers all the basics in accessible style]
    · Wimmer, Roger D. and Dominick, Joseph R. 2006, Mass Media Research: An Introduction, 8th ed., Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth [A very well established and respected US textbook]
    Online Learning
    This course makes extensive use of MyUni and some external websites. All assignments are submitted via MyUni using a combination of on-line tests and TurnItIn.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course consists of a 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour tutorial delivered weekly.
    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • 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

    • 2 Online Quizzes (10% EACH) 
    • First Assignment (30%, 1500 words) 
    • Second Assignment (40%, 1750-2000 words) 
    • Participation and Attendance (10%)
    • Attend at least 80% of tutorials and participate in activities

    Due to the current COVID-19 situation modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching. Assessment details provided here reflect recent updates.

    In place of the 10% for tutorial participation and attendance, an extra 5% has been added to First assignment and Second Assignment, which now stand at 35% and 45% respectively.
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    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 Access Adelaide.

  • 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
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/104876/1/sem-1/
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