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• Undergraduate study:
• Courses
• Order a prospectus
• How to apply
• Information for applicants
• Why choose Kingston University
• Disability and mental health support
• Accommodation
• Undergraduate fees
• Fees, funding and payments
• Access, participation and inclusion

Journalism Research Paper

• Module code: JO5004
• Year: 2018/9
• Level: 5
• Credits: 30
• Pre-requisites: Successful completion of level 4 modules or equivalent
• Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module offers students a chance to carry out an in-depth piece of research into an aspect of journalism which interests them and to work independently under the guidance of a tutor. Students will be able to choose their own topic, frame it in the way they want and select the most appropriate primary and secondary sources. Students can use their research not only to gain insight into a chosen topic but also to contact and question journalists working in the industry to find out what is really going on and to start networking. This module provides an excellent foundation for independent empirical research focused within the main course discipline. It will be especially relevant for students planning to do a dissertation or special study in their final year.

Aims

• Give students the opportunity to develop their knowledge of journalism and to pursue their own interests by independent research into a specific aspect of print, new media or broadcast journalism
• Develop skills in research design, data collection and communication
• Develop skills in media content and textual analysis using appropriate methods

Learning outcomes

• Show an in-depth knowledge of their chosen topic area and the ability to identify and critically analyse central issues raised within it
• Engage in independent research, making use of a variety of primary and secondary sources
• Critically analyse media content such as text, photographs or TV/video footage in detail in using appropriate methods
• Present a coherent examination of their chosen topic in a sustained, analytical way
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements of writing an academic paper

Curriculum content

• Preparing for independent research including identifying key tasks, timetabling and using supervisions
• Identifying topic areas and composing, revising and framing a title
• Identifying research methods including quantitative and qualitative techniques
• Bibliographic searching and literature review techniques
• Content analysis methods for text and other media such as photographs and TV/video footage
• Data gathering techniques including different types of surveys and statistical analysis
• Identifying and locating primary sources including experts and frontline professionals
• Interview techniques including types of questions and methods such as phone, email and face-to-face
• Organising research findings and identifying key arguments
• Writing methods for academic research paper including structure, style, Harvard referencing, constructing an argument and maintaining objectivity

Teaching and learning strategy

Group workshops facilitated by a member of academic staff. These will deliver the learning material listed in the curriculum content outlined above and will help students further develop the research skills necessary to carry out their research proposal.

 In addition to the group workshops, specialist supervision will be provided by staff during office hours over both semesters.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Assessment strategy

The Journalism Research Paper will develop students' ability to work independently and to meet deadlines as well as to produce an extended piece of written work. This will be a 4-5,000-word essay with research log and bibliography.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Elements of Assessment

Achieving a pass

It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module

Bibliography core texts

Selection will vary according to selected topic.

Bibliography recommended reading

Bell, Judith (2000), Doing your research project London: Open University Press

Berger, A. A. (1998) ‘Survey interviews' and ‘Depth Interviews' in Media Research Techniques 2^nd edition, Sage, pp.35-43 & 55-62

Northedge, A (2001).The Good Study Guide, Open University Press

Allison, B and Race, P (2002). The Student's Guide to Preparing Dissertations and Theses, London: Routledge