COM4211 - Researching Global Audiences

Leader: Dr Susan Yell

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

This unit examines media audiences in relation to globalisation and new media and communication technologies. It examines local, national and transnational audiences and their formation in relation to a globalised media industry. Students will be introduced to a range of techniques of audience research, including the use of new communication technologies to conduct research.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. an understanding of the relations between audiences, communication and media technologies, media industries and governments;
2. an awareness of the political, social, economic and cultural functions of audience formation;
3. the capacity to analyse trends in the development of ICTS and their impact on audiences and their formation;
4. the capacity to critically evaluate the importance of audiences in relation to various institutions and communities (the market, the public sphere, the nation, transnational communities);
5. the capacity to identify and evaluate a range of audience research theories, approaches and techniques;
6. highly developed skills in designing an audience research project, utilising the knowledge gained in Objective 5.

Assessment

Assignment 1 Research Essay (4000 words) : 40%
Assignment 2 Audience Research Design (5000 words) : 60%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week.

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Students will be expected to participate for a minimum of one hour per fortnight in on-line discussion.

Prohibitions

COM5211