MCH8058 : Methodologies: Researching Media, Culture & Society
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jesus Salazar
- Lecturer: Dr Chris Haywood, Ms Kellie Daniels
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
European Credit Transfer System |
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide students with:
A thorough understanding of the principal media and sociological research methods used in the study of media, culture and society;
A comprehensive understanding of how these research methods operate in practice;
The techniques and skills required to undertake a major research project;
Knowledge of the principal ways of generating research data and specific forms of qualitative analysis;
An understanding of the retrieval of information, location of evidence, analysis, interpretation and synthesis of materials, critical thought and evaluation, questioning of assumptions and, where appropriate, how to relate theory and practice.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module introduces students to a range of methodologies and techniques of data gathering that are central to researching the media, culture and society. It begins by examining ways of generating and analysing research data and investigating specific forms of quantitative and qualitative analysis, with an emphasis on the latter. The foundations of epistemology, methodology and techniques of information gathering and analysis are explored. Key sociological and cultural debates about research methods in media and culture are scrutinised. Students engage with the practical components of conducting research so that students may gain a sophisticated understanding of key aspects of the politics of and ethical issues concerning research methodology in order to enhance the skills they will need to produce a research project in academia or industry.
The topics addressed may include the following:
Ontology, epistemology, and methodology;
Quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis;
Digital ethnography;
Case study, focus group, and interview;
Survey;
Textual and content analysis;
Researching digital media technologies;
Cross-cultural and transnational media research;
Ethical positions;
Research proposal writing.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Interactive non-synchronous lecture materials delivered online |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Lectures to be delivered on campus; can be switched online if necessary |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 20:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | On-campus seminars; can be switched online if necessary |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 127:00 | 127:00 | Guided self-study |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lecture and lecture materials convey knowledge about the major research methods available in the study of the media, culture and PR, with a particular focus on the relationship between theory, methodologies and methods. The seminars will provide students with the context for developing their research skills. Students will learn how to apply these skills to the professional contexts that they are likely to encounter on completion of the course. Classes will mix formal instruction experiences with informal advice sessions.
The assessment strategy allows students to enhance the skills needed to conduct a research project in academia or industry on the programme.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Portfolio | 1 | M | 50 | Portfolio, 2,000 words, mid-module |
Research proposal | 1 | A | 50 | Research proposal, 2,000 words, end-of-module |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Assessment 1: Portfolio (mid-module)
Students produce a 2,000-word portfolio that helps them identify their personal research interests, brainstorm some research ideas, and develop their knowledge and understanding of research methods in Media, Culture and Society as examined during the module.
Additional task-specific criteria are as follows:
- Rigorousness of the definition of the topic, informed by engagement with and understanding of primary and secondary research (S1; K3; K4);
- Demonstration of understanding of how research methods facilitate studies of media, culture and society (K4; K5; S2);
- Analysis of research methods in order to make conclusions about their strengths and weaknesses for studying media and PR (S2; K4);
- Quality of the written structure, including the suitability of academic tone and analysis at postgraduate level (S3; S5; S6).
Assessment 2: Research Project Proposal (end-of-module)
Students produce a 2,000-word research plan in relation to their proposed research or final project. This should include clearly articulated research question(s) or aims and objectives, a theoretical framework or initial literature review, a proposed set of methods, ethical considerations, a working bibliography, and/or any other components specified in the assessment brief.
Additional task-specific criteria are as follows:
- Methodological quality of the approach and design of the proposed research or final project, how it aligns with the methodologies taught in the module and the ethical implications of the project (K1; K2; K3; K6);
- Awareness of theoretical and research context and framework drawing on both primary and secondary sources (K5; S1);
- Use of research context and theoretical framework to inform the production of research questions (K4);
- Quality of the structure and planning of your proposal, including the suitability of academic tone for postgraduate research and the quality of referencing (S5; S6; S7).
The reassessment strategy is a resit of the failed component or components.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH8058's Timetable