Module: MAP Dissertation

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	MAP Dissertation
Module Code	CM572 (ITS) / MCO1069 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Kevin Rafter
Module Teachers	Alessio Cornia
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat the module
Resubmit full dissertation

Description

To prepare and write a substantial and original piece of independent academic research in the area of political communication.

Learning Outcomes

1. show proficiency in the planning of an extended, systematically developed research project, worked upon independently, incorporaing insights gained from taught modules;
2. demonstrate the ability to work on a research project over an extended period of time, with the guidance of a supervisor;
3. demonstrate the ability to collect, sort and analyse insights and perspectives gleaned from a literature review;
4. identify the ways in which a suitable research methodology must be selected and applied to individual research projects;
5. critically analyse the most appropriate ways to integrate theoretical perspectives already acquired into the pursuit of new empirical data appropriate to the dissertation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Seminars	25	Introduction to writing an academic thesis; overview of DCU thesis procedures and guidelines; class presentation on selected topic.
Lecture	35	Research supervision
Independent Study	690	Research and writing
Seminars	24	Introduction to writing an academic thesis; overview of DCU thesis procedures and guidelines; class presentation on selected topic.
Total Workload: 774

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to writing an academic thesis; overview of DCU thesis procedures and guidelines

Research supervision

Research and writing

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Thesis	20,000 word dissertation	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Zina O'Leary: 2017, The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project, 3rd, Sage, 9781473952089
Deacon, D. Pickering, M. Golding, P. and Murdock, G. (eds): 2010, Researching Communications A Practical Guide to Methods in Media and Cultural Analysis, 2nd, Bloombury, London,
Hansen, A. Cottle, S. Negrine, R. and Newbold, C.: 2008, Mass Communication Research Methods, Palgrave Macmillan, London,
McQuail, D.: 2010, Mass Communication Theory, 6th, Sage, London,
Krippendorff, K.: 2004, Content Analysis An Introduction to its Methodology, 2nd, Sage, London,

Other Resources

None