MFC5032 - Researching Media, Film and Culture

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the social, cultural and historical contexts within which media communication and media research emerges and evolves;
Demonstrate an understanding of cultural borrowings, appropriation, transformation and influence within film and media forms;
Demonstrate understanding of a range of research methods;
Demonstrate the ability to select and apply appropriate methods in the formulation and conduct of research.

Content:

The module introduces students to a range of approaches to research in the fields of media, film and culture, and to the processes involved in formulating a research proposal. The module investigates media technologies, events, and rituals by considering social transformations, economic changes, cultural influences and technological innovations. In addition the module engages with the practical aspects of conducting research ranging from formulation of research questions to the structure of a research proposal.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The learning and teaching methods for this module comprise of interactive lectures. Research topics and methods are introduced and students assess their validity and impact at the same time through the use of case studies. Considering the content and learning outcomes the module needs to be delivered over two terms. In the first semester students are introduced to the theoretical and practical application of research methods. Students apply the taught material to case studies and other examples set in lectures. In the second semester, students are guided through the composition of a research proposal towards the Level 6 Media Research Project. Students are expected to demonstrate awareness and familiarity of the taught research methods by analysing and applying them to their own original media research project.

Interactive Lectures Hours: 40
Intended Group size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 160
Assignment 2: Proposal + literature review
Further details relating to assessment
Students permitted to take a half-module for the award of 10 credits will be assessed on the basis of the assessment relevant to the semester of study:
Semester 1 – Group Presentation 10 mins
Semester 2 – Research Proposal 2,000 words

Assessment:

001 Group presentation 1 x 10 minutes end of semester 1 50%
002 Research Proposal 2000 words end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Kostas Maronitis
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 5YL