Spring 2018 - CMNS 801 G200
Design and Methodology in Communication Research (5)
Class Number: 13011
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Frederik Lesage
flesage@sfu.ca
778-782-9360
Office: K-8665
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A survey course which examines the problems, methods and theoretical assumptions in communication research using case studies of research design and methods. Students may design a research project and conduct a small pilot study in a selected area. Normally offered in the spring term and expected in the first year of graduate study.
COURSE DETAILS:
Overview:
This course focuses on the interplay of theory, research questions, and methods in research design. It will introduce students to a common body of key concepts and issues related to areas of research design and methodology. We will explore the intellectual history of diverse methodological approaches, some central problems in the epistemological foundations, and contemporary debates about specific empirical methods in communication research. The course is intended to introduce debates about methods; and to promote reflection on ways of assessing their appropriateness, limitations, assumptions, and practical applications in research. The course aims to encourage students to explore some of the skills and techniques typically used in the research process, including: problem formation, study design, data collection, and analysis. We will pay special attention to emerging methods in digital communication research, including social media. This course will focus on the application of methods in a hands-on manner. Students will learn to use digital research platforms to develop skills in data analysis and visualization for various methods.
Course Format:
The course will be run as a weekly seminar. Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate actively in seminar discussions and activities.
Grading
- Research Proposal 10%
- Method Exercises 40%
- Final Presentation 40%
- Participation 10%
NOTES:
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 follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline. [Note: as of May 1, 2009, the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02), and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies.]
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
TBA.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS