Subject details

 At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. use library and other information resources effectively
  2. work efficiently and confidently in the postgraduate communications program
  3. read, comprehend and write in key academic and other writing formats
  4. conduct semiotic analyses of how texts signify meanings and how users interpret them
  5. choose and use appropriate techniques of content analysis for specific research tasks
  6. understand and use quantitative and qualitative methods to research communications texts, formats, practices, and users/audiences.
     
    • Introducing Communication Research Skills
    • Library and other research resources
    • Academic writing formats, skills and strategies (I)
    • Academic writing formats, skills and strategies (II)
    • The contexts and ethics of communication research
    • Semiotics
    • Content analysis
    • Quantitative research
    • Qualitative research
    • Mixed methods

  • Study resources

    • Instructional methods

      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Standard Media
      • Web links

    • Online materials

      • Printable format materials

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Core
  • GRF-MCM-GCE-2019
Elective
  • OUA-PSU-GCE-2019
  • UNE-PRO-GCE-2019

Special requirements

No special requirements

Communication Research Skills equips you with foundational knowledge and skills needed to research a range of communication forms, practices, audiences, and institutions. It is comprised of two modules. Foundations (Weeks 1-5) deals with the following topics: using the university library and other information resources; academic writing formats, skills and strategies; effective study practices and habits; and the work contexts and ethics of communication research. Methods (Weeks 6-10) introduces key methodologies used in researching communication texts, practices and users/audiences: semiotic analysis, content analysis, quantitative techniques, and qualitative techniques.

  • Literature Review (20%)
  • Research Case Study (20%)
  • Research Report (40%)
  • Seminar and Discuss Board (20%)

Textbook information is pending.

Related degrees

postgraduate GRF-MCM-GCE-2019

Graduate Certificate in Communication

postgraduate OUA-PSU-GCE-2019

Postgraduate Single Subjects

postgraduate UNE-PRO-GCE-2019

Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice