Comms 706 is offered online only in 2025.
The syllabus is structured around a series of case studies by Communication scholars who will outline their current research project in a series of two-week Research Modules. Each scholar will present the projects they are working on or have worked on, and describe how their research relates to the central questions of the course, particularly looking at 'challenges to the contemporary world' and how they are contributing to the 'development of solutions.' The Research Modules will vary from year to year, depending on both the research direction of the scholars participating, but also on changing societal issues.
The course is comprised of five modules, each two weeks in length. Each module is based on an in-depth interview with the researcher which is presented as an Interview Podcast. The podcast addresses a range of issues and ideas including - the theory that informs the research involved in the case study; the methodology chosen to explore its central question, for example, qualitative, quantitative (or both), or a creative approach, for example, the production of a documentary or creative output; a discussion of the actual research output or a work-in-progress; a consideration of how the project developed; and its findings and expected and unexpected outcomes. Scholars will also discuss how their case study engages with the subject of the course, that is, how it intersects with social change and how it contributes to possible solutions. For example, will it help shape policy? Engage and inform the public? Empower and mobilise certain communities? Contribute to and update an existing body of knowledge?
Module topics could include but are not limited to, indigenous data, futures, documentary production and social issues, labour issues and the precariat, communication, media representation, and climate change.
This course is asynchronous that is, there are no formal lectures or tutorials. Students will receive course content through Canvas, which will include but is not limited to readings, videos, and more. Those enrolled will work through their material in their own time. However, there will be group sessions and lecturer/student and peer exchanges through Zoom or Teams.
Assessment is likely to involve developing a critical reading of one of the modules and the development of a research proposal aligned with one of them. There will also be a series of activities assigned weekly to engage students with the topic at hand.