Course Title: Research Methods in Media and Communication

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Research Methods in Media and Communication

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2930

City Campus

Postgraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Jenny Robinson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5049

Course Coordinator Email: jenny.robinson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 9.5.36

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

In this course you will develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake research and develop a cogent research plan in a scholarly or industry context. You will investigate the steps in the research process including how to identify a research problem and develop a research question and proposal; locate and evaluate relevant literature for your research problem; examine research methods and identify appropriate ways to apply them to research questions. 

On completion of this course, you will have defined, drafted and refined your research plan (proposal and methods summary) to be realised in the capstone research project course in your program.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes: 
If you are enrolled in MC262 Master of Writing and Publishing or MC249 Master of Advertising you will develop the following program learning outcomes: 

  • Determine and apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to solve problems creatively, demonstrating expert judgement and ethical responsibility relating to your professional practice and discipline.
  • Professionally communicate propositions, processes and outcomes to address specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • 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. 

If you are enrolled in MC248 Master of Communication 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.
  • 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.


Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 
CLO1. Critically analyse literature related to international professional practice in your area.
CLO2. Analyse research principles and methods and justify a selected methodological approach.
CLO3. Investigate research problems and develop research questions.
CLO4. Propose, develop and present a research project plan related to scholarly or industry needs.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectures, tutorials, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.


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.


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: Research Method Presentation (Group) 30% Linked CLOs 1, 2
Assessment Task 2: Research Journal with Annotated Bibliography (Individual) 30% Linked CLOs 1, 3, 4
Assessment Task 3: Research Proposal (Individual) 40% 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 Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.