Qualitative Research Methods in Communication

Vassilis Vamvakas

MCC 402 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication

Elective
Semester:
B
ECTS:
10

About This Course

Course description

The course aims to introduce students to the conceptualization, design, and difficulties of qualitative research methods used in media and communication studies, including participant observation and digital ethnography, depth interviews, focus groups, historical analysis, discourse, thematic, visual and content analysis.

Course objectives

  • Develop an attitude of exploring inquiries, innovation and creativity, concerning the fields of journalism and popular culture
  • Develop critical thinking skills to assess ideas, acquiring research skills, synthesizing knowledge across disciplines and applying academic knowledge to personal experiences throughout the media world.
  • Develop research abilities through implementing qualitative methodological tools for investigating either the production/content of mediated messages or the audience responses to them.

Learning outcomes

  1. Familiarize with the logic, design, and pitfalls of qualitative research in media and communication
  2. Apply general principles of qualitative analysis to accomplish and evaluate research in media and communication
  3. Associate major techniques of qualitative analysis to concrete research topics of interest.

Class/Learning activities

Lectures, group work, in-class presentations, literature study, written assignments.