Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM1230 Introduction to Media and Communication Research

20 creditsClass Size: 215

Module manager: Dr Anna Zoellner
Email: a.zoellner@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces the basic building blocks of communications research in order to support the reading, writing and research skills you will require during your time at the School of Media and Communication. It aims to highlight the links between fundamental academic skills and research practice more generally: skills critical to success at the undergraduate level are the foundation of wider standard practices within our field and academia. Reading sometimes difficult literature, writing clear and convincing essays and researching according to scholarly conventions are abilities valued across the School of Media and Communication. What is involved in the academic study of media and communication? How do the skills developed for a communications degree relate to both scholarly practice and media practice? This module aims to address these questions and provide a solid grounding for successful study at the School of Media and Communication.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to ...
This module introduces the basic building blocks of media and communication research in order to support the reading, writing and research skills you will require during your time in the School of Media and Communication. It aims to highlight the links between fundamental academic skills and research practice more generally: skills critical to success at the undergraduate level are the foundation of wider standard practices within our field and academia. Reading sometimes difficult literature, writing clear and convincing essays and researching according to scholarly conventions are abilities valued across the School of Media and Communication. What is involved in the academic study of media and communication? How do the skills developed for a communications degree relate to both scholarly practice and media practice? This module aims to address these questions and provide a solid grounding for successful study at the School of Media and Communication.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be expected to be able to:
1. Locate and evaluate primary and secondary research resources to address questions in media and communication
2. Construct an academic argument drawing on relevant research resources and media and communications techniques
3. Demonstrate developing skills in critical thinking and analysis
4. Describe and employ principles of good academic practice particularly: research ethics, citation and plagiarism regulations.

Skills outcomes
The skills taught on this module will be applicable to a broad range of
subsequent study throughout all ICS programmes, and will form the basis of students’ academic development.


Syllabus

This module considers communications and media academic research skills. It covers a range of research elements and skills to aid students in reading and writing academic work in the field. Topics include primary and secondary sources in communications, developing an academic argument, understanding communications theory and method, media ethics, and the relationship between communications scholarship and practice.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture102.0020.00
Seminar81.008.00
Tutorial11.001.00
Private study hours171.00
Total Contact hours29.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Throughout the course of this module students will be engaged in a series of tasks leading to the
completion of a portfolio addressing a range of skills. Private study time will be dedicated to reading, research, preparation and writing. Students will also prepare and deliver oral contributions in the seminars.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students complete portfolio tasks in a staged manner over the semester and will receive ongoing formative feedback on the individual tasks via the VLE and in seminars.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
PortfolioMulti-part100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 25/01/2018

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019