MDS-20031 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module is of vital importance if you intend to do an extended project in MCC such as the dissertation, but is relevant to anyone with an interest in analysing media texts, audiences and cultures. The module shows you how to develop independent research about the topics you are the most interested in, covering everything from how to analyse the way women are represented in advertising, to how cinema audiences engage with films, and even how you could examine online fan cultures. Throughout the module you will be introduced to a range of methods, which will enable you to research media texts, media audiences and media cultures. Each week you will have a workshop where you can put different methods into practice to gain a concrete understanding of their strengths and limitations. By the end of the module you will have a sense of how to apply a range of approaches, including: content analysis, semiotics, discourse analysis, ethnography, survey research, interviews and internet research. You will also have a sense of how to formulate, structure and write a research project, and of the processes and practicalities of research.
Assessment: Presentation 30%, Research Proposal 70%.

To introduce and critically analyse methodologies and research methods used in the study of media and cultural studies.
To apply these research methods to the study of media, culture and communication.

Intended Learning Outcomes

understand and evaluate key research methods in the field of media, communication and cultural studies will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
apply various research techniques to the study of different media and cultural practices, genres and products will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
develop critical thinking and reflective understanding of various methodologies and their practical application will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
to devise and develop a project, and to communicate this in written project reports and orally in the presentation will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2

Study hours

12 x 2-hour seminars; 40 hours seminar preparation, 40 hours private study, 46 hours assessment preparation.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment