Research Methods for Media and Journalism Studies
Code
722011063
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Ciências da Comunicação
Credits
10
Teacher in charge
Cláudia Guerra Madeira
Weekly hours
3 letivas + 1 tutorial
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
Learning objectives:
a) To understand the need of interdisciplinary research about media, within the context of institutional and social processes;
b) To identify methodological perspectives, both quantitative and qualitative, their advantages and limitations;
c) To explore qualitative methodologies, in articulation with an ongoing research projects
Competencies objectives:
a) To know how to collect, organize and analyse qualitative social data regarding socially differentiated populations;
b) To acquire the ability to develop qualitative research, within the context of a master degree dissertation
Prerequisites
None
Subject matter
1. General issues regarding research methodology and epistemology. The complementarities between qualitative and quantitative research;
2. Media research regarding the ongoing research projects. Emphasis on qualitative methodologies.
3. Characterization and empirical exploration of different qualitative methodologies:
- Ethnographical observation;
- In depth interviews and life histories. Mediagraphie3s.
4. Treatment and analysis of collected, using specific techniques of analysis.
Bibliography
MCLEOD, J., & THOMPSON, R. (2009). Researching Social Change. London: Sage.
JENSEN, K. B. (2002). A Handbook of Media and Communication Research. Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies (pp. 254-272). London: Routledge.
Rantanen, T. (2005). The media and globalization. London, Sage.
SILVERSTONE, R. (2010). \"Domesticando a domesticação. Reflexões em torno de um conceito.\" Media & Jornalismo 9(1): 9-30.
Teaching method
Seminar work. It starts with lectures concerning the key orientations in media and journalism research, under the frame of human and social sciences. It continues with discussion of previously introduced texts containing key concepts and theories according to the research project. These two parts are followed by methodological orientations for the field work and training; after this training, students are involved in a supervised fieldwork activity.
Participation in class and fieldwork proposed activity (40%).
Final work in the form of a 4500-500 words assessment, concerning their own fieldwork activity and a critical discussion of the results gathered during the fieldwork (60%). This final work should be presented as a potential academic article to be submitted to a journal.
Evaluation method
Participation in class and fieldwork proposed activity (40%).
Final report concerning fieldwork activity and also discussion of the results gathered during fieldwork (60%).