Communications Studies (COMS) 451 - Lecture 02
Research in Communications
Winter 2007
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 - 10:45 am Room: SH 284  

Instructor:	Prof. Janet Hamnett
Office Location:	SS347
Office Phone:	242-1077
E-Mail:	jhamnett@telus.net
Web Page:
Office Hours:	by appointment

Course Description

This course will include an examination of models of communications processes and methods of applied research. The course considers the intellectual context in which these research traditions emerge and are applied. This course is also about observation and action - about collecting good data and using it for specific reasons. It is about seeing, listening, questions; about solving 'real' problems. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to various research methods in relation to diverse communications related applications.

Objectives of the Course

Through lectures, readings, discussion and a group research project students will be able to:

- understand the role research plays in the communications field

- effectively find sources of information using a variety of research tools

- critically evaluate the appropriateness of information sources

- plan and implement a variety of research strategies

- experience practical research through classroom activities and assignments

- synthesize and present research findings

Textbooks and Readings:

Neuman, W. Lawrence 2006 Basics of Social Research

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Group Research Project:

Project plan 10% Jan. 23

Research design 20% Feb. 13

Research findings and analysis 25% Mar. 22

In-class presentation 15% Apr. 5 - Apr. 12

Final research report 20% Apr. 16

Class participation 10%

Note: Please return assignments directly to the instructor if possible. If it is not possible to do so, a daytime drop box is available in SS110; a date stamp is provided for your use. A night drop box is also available for after-hours submission. Assignments will be removed the following morning, stamped with the previous day's date, and placed in the instructor's mailbox.

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: No

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented.

If you wish help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS110, 220-7255.

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+/A (4.0); A- (3.7); B+ (3.3); B (3.0); B- (2.7); C+ (2.3);
C (2.0); C- (1.7); D+ (1.3); D (1.0); F (0)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people’s words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

To be handed out and discussed in class.