CMNS 262-3

Design and Method in Qualitative Communication Research

Diana Ambrozas Burnaby Campus Day

RCB6234, 604-291-4788(in Fall) Fall Semester 2004

email: dambroza@sfu.ca

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Prerequisites: CMNS 110 and 130.

Overview:

This course examines a wide range of qualitative approaches to research in media and cultural studies, including historical, textual, critical and ethnographic methods. We will use a case study approach involving some classic analyses of popular culture from television to comics to material culture and everyday life. For each study we will determine the main research questions and underlying assumptions. By the end of the course you will understand what methods are used to get what kind of data and for what purposes. You will also become familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each of the methods as well as with contemporary ethical issues in media and cultural studies research.

Required Texts:

Arthur Asa Berger (2000), Media and Communication Research Methods,
Sage Publications, ISBN 0-8039-4180-3.

A custom courseware package will also be available from the bookstore.

Assessment:

Analysis of Historical/Textual Methods 20%

Second Analysis (of your choice but addressing a different method) 30%

Final Exam 30%

Tutorial Attendance and Participation 20%

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the school will also follow Policy T10.02 with respect to “Intellectual Honesty” and “Academic Discipline” (see the current calendar, General Regulations Section).