Media & Communications Research Project

Subject MECM30007 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 4 A 2-hour lecture and a 2-hour additional lecture/workshop per week plus regular supervision during the semester.
Total Time Commitment: 144
Prerequisites: Completion of 100 points in second year of the BA (Media and Communications) Enriched Major.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the 3Disability Liaison Unit website: 4http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Ingrid Volkmer

Contact

Ingrid Volkmer
email: ivolkmer@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The Media and Communications Research Project provides students with an opportunity to conduct an extensive analysis of any form of media output, theoretical framework, institutional structure, or mode of reception. Students will deploy, and reflect upon, their selected method/s of analysis and present their findings in a written report. They will be offered guidance throughout the process of conceiving, designing, executing and writing their report. The final written presentation should aim to produce a critical evaluation of the topic with reference to relevant positions of theory and debate, the methods and methodology deployed, as well as their own research practice. On completion of this subject, students will have gained critical insight into their chosen topic, as well as a deeper understanding of the processes, stages and methodological requirements for undertaking successful research in the field of Media and Communications.

Objectives: Students who complete this subject will:
  • be able to design, research and present in writing a sustained academic study;
  • be able to demonstrate awareness of relevant literature in the field of media and communication in relation to a chosen topic of inquiry;
  • be able to marshal argument and evidence in a structured narrative and sequence of chapters according to scholarly practice;
  • be able to critically engage with relevant theoretical frameworks and debates, and reflect upon issues of methodology where appropriate.
Assessment: An 8000-word research project 100% (due at the end of semester). Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without a formal extension and special consideration will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.
Prescribed Texts:
    Breadth Options:

    This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

    Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
    Generic Skills: Students who successfully complete this subject will:
    • be able to plan, develop and present supervised research on a particular topic in accordance with academic standards and conventions;
    • be able to enhance their ability to initiate and undertake independent research;
    • be able to deploy time-management skills relevant to a self-directed program of study.
    Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the BA (Media and Communications) enriched major and is a copulsory subject in this major.
    Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
    Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications) & Bachelor of Commerce

    Download PDF version.