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    Overview

    Current issues and theoretical debates in Film, Media and Communication Studies and provides students with writing, research and organisational skills necessary for an Honours degree.

    This paper introduces students to key conceptual frameworks methodologies that cut across the disciplines of media, film and communication studies. Students will learn how academic disciplines produce research in particular ways, and work towards situating their own research within media, film and communication studies to the development of their chosen Honours dissertation project. We will also discuss the mechanics of writing, formatting and collating material for a thesis.

    About this paper

    Paper title Advanced Media, Film and Communication Theory
    Subject Media, Film and Communication
    EFTS 0.1667
    Points 20 points
    Teaching period Full Year (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,240.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    54 300-level MFCO or FIME points
    Restriction
    COMS 401, FIME 401, MFCO 403
    Contact
    mfco@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Convenor: Dr Brett Nicholls and MFCO staff.

    Paper Structure

    The paper is structured around the following learning outcomes:

    • The identification of key conceptual frameworks and methodologies that characterise the disciplines of media, film and communication studies - in both historical and contemporary contexts
    • Development of a critically-engaged disposition to media, film and communication texts
    • Instruction on the implementation of relevant scholarly concepts and methodologies appropriate to the student's Honours dissertation

    Assessment:

    • Critical summary of a set reading 25%
    • Position paper on a theoretical issue 25%
    • Discussion starter 10%
    • Take-home exam 40%
    Teaching Arrangements

    Twenty-six 2-hour seminars.
    Students are expected to participate, lead discussion and take an active part in class seminars and workshops as independent learners.

    Textbooks
    Course reader available for purchase from Uniprint or via download.
    Course outline

    View a sample course outline for MFCO 401

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will:

    • Develop knowledge of the conceptual frameworks and methodologies that characterise the disciplines of media, film and communication studies
    • Understand how research is situated and produced within a particular cultural context
    • Gain an advanced competency in the verbal and written presentation of research
    • Effectively implement research methods and execute a research project

    Timetable

    Full Year

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    L1 Wednesday 14:00-16:50 13
    Thursday 10:00-12:50 11-12
    Friday 13:00-15:50 9-10, 15-22
    AND
    N1 Friday 13:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
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