Research Design and Theoretical Approaches to Film and Media Studies

The course is an introduction to research theories and methods for master's students in Film and Media Studies and Film and Video Production. Through engagement with scholarly traditions, epistemologies, and research methodologies in the humanities, students develop the means by which to design their own independent research project, in the form of an MA thesis. In addition to engaging with key traditions of research in Film and Media Studies, students also learn basic principles of research design and individual project development.

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the course the student has knowledge of:

• scholarly and epistemological traditions in the humanities that are relevant to Film and Media Studies.
• key research methodologies and research ethics within Film and Media Studies.
• formal and genre-specific requirements for MA theses in Film and Media Studies.
• the distinctiveness of humanities research in general and of the researcher’s role in particular.

Skills

Upon successful completion of the course the student knows how to:

• explain different research traditions within Film and Media Studies.
• formulate research questions and situate them within a relevant epistemological and methodological framework.
• find, evaluate, and communicate research literature relevant to their own research interests.
• utilize practical media skills in the communication of relevant disciplinary perspectives.
• defend the choice of research design and methodology in their own MA project.

Lectures and seminars.

This course can be taught in Norwegian and English.

Students are required to stay updated on information from the department or course director via Canvas.