MFCO303 Critical Problems in Communication Studies

Overview

News media routine processes, mythologies, structural constraints, access and equity; discourses and social contexts of news production.

MFCO 303 offers a theoretical and practical study of communication in both the media and everyday life. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of research methods, as well as practical skills for applying these research methods to a range of communication contexts.

About this paper

Prerequisite

18 200-level MFCO points or 54 200-level Arts Points

Restriction

COMS 301

Schedule C

Arts and Music

Contact

mfco@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convener and Lecturer: Dr Michael Daubs

Paper Structure

We aim to develop theoretical understanding of communication as well as practical skills for analysing communicative contexts. The paper is organised around studies of a range of research methods and practical tasks.

Textbooks

Course readings will be available on Blackboard.

Course outline

View a sample course outline for MFCO 303.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

• evaluate the use of communication networks, media. and information communication technologies by a variety of actors, groups, and communities;
• analyse the social, cultural, and political implications of everyday communication;
• design and plan a communication research project; and
• demonstrate competent oral and written communication skills, and a clear understanding of key issues and themes addressed in the course.

Assessment details

This paper is 100% internally assessed.

• Take-home test, 30%
• Hands-on assignment, 30%
• Research essay, 40%

Timetable