Venue: Tuesday 6:30-9:00 PM, COMM 1046.
Instructor: Steven Dick, Ph.D. Mass Media Michigan State, M.A. Telecommunication Southern Illinois Carbondale, B.A. Broadcasting Western Kentucky.
Office: Monday, Tuesday, Thurs 2 - 4 PM
Watch door for exceptions. Appointments are available on request.
Office Comm 2219 (Second Floor, Southeast wing across from media management lab)
Office Phone: 453-6980
Home Phone: 457-0557
E-mail: StevenMSU@AOL.COM
Please use e-mail first. Phone with immediate need. Keep messages to home simple.
Texts: Required - Mass Media Research. 5th, Wimmer/Dominick, Wadsworth, 1997.
An electronic calculator is recommended. Choose one with a square root functions.
Students will be required to receive some information by e-mail.
As much as possible, class resources will be made available through my web page at:
http://members.aol.com/SIUbarn/
Description: A survey of the major research options and their application/misapplication in the media industry.
Course Objectives: On completion of the course you should:
1. Understand the choices and problems involved in media research.
2. Be able to choose between and use a wide variety of methods.
3. Be able to evaluate research that is presented to you.
Grades will be based on participation, assignments, quizzes, a final project and final exam 20% each.
Participation: Students will be expected to come to class prepared after completing the reading assignments and developing fully formed opinions. Attendance is required.
Assignments will be made throughout the term to force students to practice media research methods.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be used to check on the students progress and ability to perform methods.
Final Project: Each student will complete a final research project. Sampling and statistical analysis will be required. A class or group projects may be used in place. The papers will be 15-20 pages in length.
Exams: A single final exam will test the broad issues, ability to identify problems and choose between alternatives.