MEVIT4810 – Introduction to media and communication research: Theory of science and methodology
Course description
Course content
This course gives an introduction to theory of science and research methodology for master students in media studies. Students will gain an understanding of the basic methodological knowledge necessary to plan an empirical research project. The course provides students with an understanding of scientific knowledge and its limitations, how to design a study, and the ethical implications and challenges associated with empirical research. It furthermore lays a foundation for more specialized methodology courses later in the MA programs in media studies.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Upon completion of the course, the candidate:
- is familiar with key perspectives in theory of science relevant to media studies research
- can outline the epistemological and ontological positions characterizing important empirical research traditions in media studies
- understands key concepts and research methods for quantitative, qualitative and textual approaches in media studies
- has a basic understanding of research ethics
Skills
Upon completion of the course, the candidate:
- can formulate a research question and outline how this question can be addressed through empirical research
- understands the possibilities and limitations offered by different methods
- can identify epistemological and ontological positions inherent to a research project
General competence
Upon completion of the course, the candidate:
- has a grasp of what empirical research means in theory and practice
- understands the connection among different components of a research project, like research question, method, data collection and processing
- has acquired sufficient basic competence for designing, later in one’s programme of study and under the guidance of a supervisor, one’s own research project
Admission to the course
The course is available to students admitted to studeprogram:HFM2-MVIT, studeprogram:HFM2-POLK and studeprogram:HFM2-SCUL.
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with MEVIT4800 – Methods in media studies: qualitative and quantitative data and analysis (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with MEVIT4834 – Methods in media studies: close textual and visual analysis (discontinued).
Teaching
The teaching in this course consists of 6 lectures. Attendance is strongly recommended but not required.
Students must submit and successfully pass 2 mandatory assignments in order to complete the course.
The compulsory assignment will be assessed as approved/not approved. Approval of the assignment is a prerequisite for being allowed to sit for the examination.??
If you get ill or have other valid reasons for not being able to meet the deadline of the compulsory activity, you must apply for valid absence or postponed deadline.???
Examination
Portfolio exam.
Language of examination
You may write your examination paper in Norwegian or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.