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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CMS 300"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Critical Media Studies and Research Methods"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Miriam Tola
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: COM 220. Recommended: COM 311.
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The aim of this course is to map and explore the canonical scholarship and central research methods in critical media and cultural studies to prepare students to perform advanced and evidence-based media analysis and research. By highlighting key themes and methodologies of the field, the course synthesizes themes from lower-level communications and media studies courses to provide a foundation for advanced study in media. The course applies approaches to inquiry and research practice that students will encounter in a range of courses offered by the program.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course introduces students to qualitative and interpretative research methods employed in critical media studies. The first part provides students with the foundational skills in research design, from selecting a research topic and defining a research question to conducting a literature review and reflecting on the positionality of the researcher. The second part enables students to understand the theoretical and practical considerations guiding the selection of the appropriate research method to address the research questions. It introduces a range of methodos (including visual methods, discourse analysis and media ethnography), and key scholarly texts that are based on these approaches.

The course takes a hands-on approach by asking students to apply research skills through the analysis of scholarly research in critical media studies, the production of research questions and literature reviews, and the practice of research techniques.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

- Demonstrating an understanding of the foundamental steps of research design and the ability of apply them.

 - Identifying the theoretical and practical considerations behind a range of research method.

- Improving academic writing skills.

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and ParticipationStudents are expected to attend class and actively contribute to discussions and other activities. 10%
Exercises Take-home assignments. 20%
Midterm Students will write a literature review based on a topic of their interest. This assignment should be a stepping stone for the final project. 30%
Final Project Students will design a research project consisting of research context, research questions, literature review and a section on methods, This assignment includes a written component and oral presentation. 30% + 10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

*Please note that this schedule is subject to change at the instructor's discretion.

Part 1 – Research Design for Critical Media Studies

Week 1: Introducing Critical Media Studies

Week 2: Defining Research Topics, Questions and Objects of Analysis

Week 3: What is a literature review?

Week 4: Connecting the Theoretical Framework to the Research Method

Week 5: Connecting the Dots: Designing a Research Project

Week 6: Review and Midterm

Part 2: Methods for Critical Media Studies

Week 7-8: Visual Methods

Week 9:  Discourse Analysis

Week 10: Frame Analysis

Week 11: Ethnography

Week 12: Political Economy

Week 13: Review

Week 14: Final Project Workshop