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Module Title: Introduction to Research Methods
Module Code: JNC 1102
Year: 1
Credits: 20
Brief description of the module,aims and content
This module aims at introducing first year students to the basic techniques and methods for collecting, processing and presenting various types of information in academic research and in Journalism practice. The focus will be on 3 main areas:
a)Academic writing skills
b)Scientific research skills
c)News and information gathering techniques
Learning Outcomes
A) Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
A1: Academic writing format,
A2: Principles and process of academic research
A3: The process of journalistic research and newsgathering.
B) Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
B1: Write academic papers using the professional recommended style and format, plus all elements of an academic paper in their coursework, essays/term papers, seminar presentations, mini-projects, etc.
B2: Collect and systematically process or organize information for writing news stories and other media productions.
C) Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
C1: Apply research and writing skills for academic writing including use of Computer Aided Research (CAR) techniques;
C2: Apply news gathering skills such as interviewing, literature/media review, etc.,
C3:Conduct research using internet resources.
D) General transferable skills
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
D1: Independently apply the research skills learnt in different contexts in their academic work;
D2:Work individually and with others (in a team spirit) to plan and systematically accomplish information gathering tasks for basic news reports, features, Radio and TV andonline platforms, etc.
Indicative Content
a)Introduction to research (definitions, importance, skills, types, source criticism, etc.)
b)Academic research (process, format/structure, style, ethics (referencing, plagiarism) etc.)
c)Desk research, literature review,information sources (Library, online resources, Computer Aided Research (CAR), etc.)
d)Journalistic research: news definition, sources of news, news collection (newsgathering techniques and process/techniques - interviewing techniques.
e)Online sources e.g. social media, search engines, etc.
f)Basics of data analysis – Frequency, ratio, percentages, etc.
Assessment Strategy
Students will be assessed basing on:
In every class sessions students will be expected to submit their reading summaries
Practical exercises plus coursework to test them on research and writing skills learnt for academic and journalistic purposes
Research and presentations in class
Final exam to test students’ recall and how they can apply the knowledge and skills learnt
Assessment Pattern
Component / Weighting (%) / Learning objectives coveredIn-course or Continuing assessment: / 20 / Principles and process of academic research and writing
20 / Information gathering techniques for news and writing skills
10 / Basic Multimedia abilities
Final or Examination Assessment: / 50 / All objectives
Total / 100%