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In COMS450 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.
In COMS450 you will learn about the major research methods used in media research for academic, public and commercial purposes. The course is structured around a research project on a subject agreed by the class in week 1. As we study the different research methods we will consider how each one could be used to study the class topic, so that over the course of term 1 you will have a good understanding of the different perspectives offered by different methodologies, what kinds of research question each can answer, and how to consider a subject from a number of different approaches.In term two you will take that methodological understanding and carry out collaborative research projects that approach our class topic from two different perspectives. You will do your own research, and write a collaborative essay with a classmate that discusses and compares the findings from two different methodological approaches. As a whole the class will have explored and discussed the year’s subject focus through each of the major methodological and theoretical perspectives used in media research.COMS450 includes an overview of the 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 research in seminars, and reviewing and editing work. It will prepare you for developing and carrying out the research for your COMS480 project in semester 2.Ko ia kāhore nei i rapu, tē kiteaS/he who does not seek, will not find
Knowledge gained from this course:- Describe and explain the purpose and role of different media research methods- Appraise how different research methodologies can answer different kinds of questions - Identify the role of ethics in research practice- Give examples of why and how researchers may build relationships with communities whose lives, knowledge, and neighborhoods may become subjects of research.- Outline the principles of kaupapa Māori research practice, concepts of tikanga and mana whenua, and when and how researchers need to acknowledge and uphold Māori values.- Define the key components of media research, including literature review, methodology, sampling, and critical researchSkills gained from this course:- Designing a research project, using academic literature to define a question and choose an appropriate method- Critically assessing other people’s research- Working collaboratively to compare and assess different approaches to the same subject- Presenting research work in progress to your peers- Giving and receiving constructive feedback with your peers and lecturersPersonal attributes gained after taking this course:- Have confidence in your ability to propose, carry out, and present your own research- Be able to reflexively locate your research practice in an appropriate social context- Be able to reflect on bicultural values in a research area- Be able to work closely with a collaborator on writing up aspects of research and supporting the development of each other’s research and writing practice- Be a more effective writer, and understand how to develop your writing skills further.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
COMS401
Zita Joyce
Tara Ross
Additional material on research methods will be taught by other COMS staff: Dr Linda Jean Kenix, Dr Donald Matheson, Dr. Wan Chi Leung, and Dr. Tara Ross, as well as guests from other departments and universities as available. Library advice will be given by our subject librarian Dave Clemens and archivist Erin Kimber, with other staff of the Macmillan Brown Library.
There are lots of readings linked on Learn, connected to the appropriate week of the course.
Domestic fee $1,957.00
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 .