Module Code - Title:
JM5072
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RESEARCHING MEDIA
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module prepares students for the process of researching and writing dissertations on media topics
Syllabus:
This module critically examines the principal theories and methods that are associated with research methodologies in the interdisciplinary field of media/mass communication. The central foci of this module are the collection and analysis of data and the use of pertinent concepts drawn from social theory to explore that data. The key topics covered include: using social theory, finding literature, designing research, writing in an academic style, conducting ethical research, interviewing media professionals and audience members, gathering data online, running focus groups and analysing media content. The lectures, and associated readings, use exemplars from the field of mass communication to explore how relevant research is carried out in the field. In consultation with their allocated supervisors, students develop, present and defend proposals for their own research
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Formulate a viable research proposal for a dissertation in the field of media/mass communication;
Analyse media content;
Demonstrate an understanding of the principal methods used to gather data on media production, media content and media use;
Apply concepts drawn from social theory in new settings
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Discuss various approaches to studying media and the practices surrounding media;
Display a professional commitment to ethical practice in field research.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Teaching is the form of lectures and workshops on specific topics. The proposals developed by students during this module will direct their dissertations
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Biggam, J (2008)
Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation: A Practical Step-by-step Handbook
, Buckingham: Open University
Bryman, A (2008)
Social Research Methods
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Hesmondhalgh, D (2007)
The Cultural Industries
, London: Sage
Other Relevant Texts:
Bickman, L. and Rog, D (2009)
The SAGE handbook of Applied Social Research Methods
, London: Sage
Bryman, A (2006)
Mixed Methods
, London: Sage
Charmaz, K (2006)
Constructing Grounded Theory
, London: Sage
Foddy, W (2001)
Constructing Questions for Interviews and Questionnaires: Theory and Practice in Social Research.
, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
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Current media content from newspapers, radio, television and the web
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Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MAJOURTFC - JOURNALISM
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
henry.silke@ul.ie