Theories and Methods of Communication Sciences

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical expositions supported by PowerPoint. Discussion of required reading texts. Analysis and writing of doctoral projects submitted by PhD students.

Learning Outcomes

This course will make a link between the major communication theories and methodologies that can materialize. Thus, keeping in mind the theoretical questions that guide the empirical approaches to communication problems, will be addressed  the issues and the fundamental principles of scientific procedure, the different approaches and techniques to the research questions, the steps of the scientific process, the techniques will be addressed collecting and organizing data.Whenever possible, introductions to the techniques of processing and analysis of data and approaches to specialized software will be given.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I. A Research in Communication Sciences

Theories and Concepts of Communication

Objectives of Research in Communication

Processes and Models of Research Communication

II. Strategies for Research in Communication

Quantitative and Qualitative Research

comparative Research

Mixed Methods and Validation

III. Case Studies: Cultural Studies, Media, Journalism

Discussion of Performed and Ongoing Projects

Presentation of research instruments and softwares

Project Development and Research Papers.

Head Lecturer(s)

Rita Joana Basílio de Simões

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 10.0%
Other: 10.0%
Research work: 80.0%

Bibliography

Action Research and New Media: concepts, methods and cases (2009) New York: Hampton Press.

Action Theory and Communication Research (2004). Berlin, New York: Mouton de Gryter.

Brauchler, B. e Postill, J. (2010)Theorising Media and Practice. oxford: Berghahn.

Couldry, N. (2012) Media, Society, World. Social Theory and Digital Media Practice. Malden: Polity.

Decon, D., Pickering, P. e Murdock, G. (1999) Researching Communications, Londres: Arnold.

Hammersley, M. e Atkinson, P. (2007) Ethnography: Principles in practice, London: Routladge.

Hine, C.(ed.) (2005) Virtual methods: issues in social research on the internet, New York: Berg Publishers.

Johns, M.D., Shing-Ling Sarina, C., Hall, G.J. (ed.) (2004) Online Social Research: Methods, issues &Ethics, New York: Peter Lang.

Neuman, W. L. (2007) Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, Boston: Pearson.

Robben, C.G.M e Sluka, J.A. (2007) Ethnographic Fieldwork: an anthropological Reader, Oxford: Blackwell.