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This occurrence is not offered in 2019
In COMS401 you will learn how to carry out research in Media and communication fields. This includes the major research methods used in media research for academic, public and commercial purposes. You will learn the purpose and role of different media research methods, ethical practices, Kaupapa Maori practice, and how research relates to different communities. In class and in assessments we will approach media research as a collaborative process, engaging with a collectively agreed research topic.
Ko ia kāhore nei i rapu, tē kiteaS/he who does not seek, will not findCOMS401 follows the process of research from writing a proposal to producing a piece of work that can be developed for publication.The research you do will be a pilot study that you can use to test a research idea and understand how it could bedeveloped into a Masters Thesis sized project, or a publication, in the future.During the semester you will develop a pilot research project on a media topic of your choice, and the course is structured to guide you through each stage of that process. This includes pragmatic and theoretical aspects of developing a research topic, reading critically, preparing a proposal, carrying out research, turning that research into a coherent piece of writing, presenting your research in seminars, and reviewing and editing your work. The course will provide you with a range of practical research skills that will be of value in your other honours courses, future postgrad study, and any careers that involve research, writing, oral presentations, and developing arguments. It will also be an opportunity to explore in depth a media related topic of your interest.
Knowledge: At the end of this course you should understand1. how research is produced, from proposals through to final peer-reviewed publication2. terms used in research, including literature review, proposal, methodology, sampling, discourse3. ethical approaches to carrying out research in a kaupapa Māori framework4. ethical approaches to researching across difference.5. how to use the major media research methods, and decide which is most appropriate for different research questions6. how to read and thoughtfully critique the work of other researchersSkills: At the end of this course you should be able to7. design a research project, using academic literature to define a question and choose an appropriate method8. gather a suitable body of data9. apply a range of different research methods, including both quantitative and qualitative ones10. write an extended research essay11. present and discuss work in progressAttributes: At the end of this course you should feel more confident about12. developing a research project13. academic writing14. sharing written work with others15. giving and receiving feedback on written work16. presenting research work17. written and spoken communication skills18. the organisational skills required in planning and carrying out an extended project19. how to be a thoughtful, reflexive and ethical researcher
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Have qualified for a Bachelor's degree (with at least a B average in 300-level courses); or have qualified for a Bachelor's degree and provided evidence to the satisfaction of the Dean of Arts and Head of Department of relevant professional or other work experience
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences Head of Department
There are lots of readings linked on Learn, connected to the appropriate week of the course.
Domestic fee $1,847.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .