JMC003 Research methods in journalism and mass communication

15 lectures   3 credits

Course description

The course will  teach students  professional methods of  researching  and analyzing information.

Course objectives

At the end of the course students will  be able to use various social science methods of researching information. Students will also be able to write in-depth analytical stories on issues of community importance and interest.

Course outline

Lecture 1 – 2

Introduction to social science research. Students will learn how to identify social or community problems or issues and to develop research questions.

Lecture 3 - 4

Introduction to research methods

Students will learn how to use different methods of obtaining information, namely, interviews, Internet searches, email, interpersonal, library, surveys.

Lecture 5 - 6

Public Opinion polls

Students will learn about public opinion and why it is important in today’s societies and governments.

Lecture 7

Designing a research instrument

Students will be taught how to design a research instrument. They will also learn how to analyze research results using spreadsheets.

Lecture 8

Surveys and polls based writing

Students will learn how to write in-depth stories for both the print and broadcast media. Stories will be based on surveys and interviews.

Lecture  9 - 10

Online publishing and Practical assignments

Students will learn how to publish stories online. The instructor will go over  practical assignments for students to help develop their own stories

Grading.

Quizzes will account for 20 percent of the final grade

Class assignments will account for 20 percent of the final grade

Two final projects will account for  60  percent of the final grade.

A = 90 percent and higher

B = between 80 and 90 percent

C = between 70 and 80 percent

D = between 60 and 70 percent

F = under 60 percent.