Course Title: Professional Research Project (Writing and Publishing)

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Professional Research Project (Writing and Publishing)

Credit Points: 24.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2788

City Campus

Postgraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Angela Meyer

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4314

Course Coordinator Email: angela.meyer2@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 5

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

Successful completion of COMM2930 Research Methods in Media and Communication.  

OR

Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Further information: Credit at RMIT


Course Description

In this capstone course you will consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills you have developed across the program. The focus for this will be an individually negotiated research project, based on a project plan.

Your research may focus on an issue relating to your academic and/or professional industry context and will culminate in a presentation of your findings. Options for your research outcome may include: a scholarly industry report; a minor thesis; or a practice-based project with an exegesis.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Determine and apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively solve problems, demonstrating expert judgment and ethical responsibility relating to your professional practice and discipline.
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on complex theories and recent developments, both local and international, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in your field.
  • Professionally communicate propositions, processes and outcomes to address specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Provide leadership within your discipline as well as collaborate with others.
  • Use appropriate research methods to design and execute substantial projects, evaluate the outcomes and theorise about the contribution of your learning to the profession and knowledge area.
  • Master a body of knowledge and specific technical skills to progress your professional career within the contemporary media and communication arena.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Interrogate and critically discuss the literature and major works related to international professional practice in your area.
  2. Conduct research based on project plans that address stated research questions, methods and audiences.
  3. Solve research problems and critically analyse findings in relation to scholarly and industry needs — both local and international.
  4. Present findings that situate your work in the field to inform future professional practice and research.
  5. Critically reflect on your personal and professional learning and develop strategies to implement this learning in professional practice.

 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities that may include tutorials, group and online class discussions. The primary focus will be undertaking individual research.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 

The University Library has extensive resources for Writing and Publishing students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/cat.php?cid=29911.


Overview of Assessment

Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1. Literature Review and Research Design (20%) [Individual; Linked CLOs 4, 5]
Assessment Task 2. Sample Chapter and Annotated Structure (30%) [Individual; Linked CLOs 1, 2, 4]
Assessment Task 3. Final Thesis or Research Project (50%) [Individual; Linked CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4]

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.