SC&I Courses

This course introduces students to a variety of interpretive research methods employed to study the media and communication. Looking at the historical development and epistemological foundations of such methods, we will discuss what constitutes interpretive methodologies and how they differ from other forms of qualitative research.  We will explore a range of commonly employed methods such as ethnography, historical methods, the analysis of visual texts, semiotics, ideological criticism, and legal interpretive methods. We will pay particular attention to ethical issues and pragmatic techniques as we read essays by leading scholars who employ interpretive methods in their research.  Students will not only become familiar with interpretive research traditions and see how they are applied to real life media phenomena, but will also learn how to distinguish well done from sloppy research.

Taken by arrangement with faculty member, usually toward the end of coursework, this requirement is met by a student registering for this course with a member of the program faculty who has agreed to supervise the student’s participation in a research project of interest. Students are expected to contact faculty directly with practicum projects/ideas. The expected outcome of the Research Practicum is a paper (single or co-authored) submitted to a recognized conference or refereed journal. The results of the Research Practicum will be presented by the student at a Ph.D. Poster Session Colloquium typically held at the end of each semester.  More specific requirements about the outcomes expected of students are in the Ph.D. Handbook.

Major problems, trends and developments in information science and librarianship. Critical survey of current and classic research findings.

Precursors to, and characteristics of, human information seeking behavior, individual and social, both within and outside of institutional information systems. Relations between such behavior and information systems design and the relevant technologies.

Examines the basic problems of information retrieval (IR) from theoretical and experimental points of view. Develops a basis for the specification of design principles for IR systems.

Measures, models and methods for macro-evaluation of impact of information systems within their environment and for micro-evaluation of performance of system components. Examines the design, conduct, and results associated with experiments.

Contemporary theories and major lines of classic and current research concerning interpersonal communication.

Survey of major principles and research organizational communication information processing. Analysis of the functions, transmission, and retention of information in the development and maintenance of organizations.

Provides an overview of the major areas of health communication including health communication campaigns, physician-patient communication, and communication among health professionals and individuals affected by health issues.

This doctoral seminar is a core requirement for the Communication area of the CILS PhD. This course provides a basic overview of social science research methods. The emphasis of the course is on appropriate method selection and the strengths and weakness of different approaches. The course covers a range of quantitative and qualitative methods.