EM 570Benjamin BatesBJBates202004-01-13T20:06:00Z2008-11-21T14:58:00Z2008-11-21T14:58:00Z15403080University of Tennessee257361311.0000JEM 512Fall 2007Mass Media Research MethodsCourse InformationMeeting: R: 5:05-7:45, Com 264Professors:Benjamin J. Bates333 Comm. Bldg.Ph: 865 974-4013Email: bjbates@utk.eduOff. Hrs.: MWF 2:30-3:30, TR 3:30-5 & by appt.Oleg ManaevCourse Description & Goals This course will be a course in the theory and practice of developing, conducting, analyzing, and evaluating research in mass communication and mass media.The principle goal of the course is to have students develop the ability to design, conduct, and analyze research, as well as to evaluate research done by others.The specific range and scope of methods covered will depend somewhat on student backgrounds and interests.Course OutlineThere will be three main types of graded assignments for this class:+Mini-Projects: These will be a series of short assignments designed to give students experience with certain types of methods.Main Projects: Students will develop a set of research questions and hypotheses, design, and conduct a research project. Topics must be relevant to the general direction of the course, and topics and research questions must be approved by the professor. Undergraduate students may choose to work in pairs.Attendance/Discussion – While I won’t take role, attendance will be important for this class, as will class participation.ReadingsThere is one recommended main texts. I suspect that I will also supplement these with a variety of readings as we deal with specific methods. Additional readings will be noted on the Blackboard class website.Wimmer & Dominick. Mass Media Research: An Introduction.General Requirements and Notices:The only place grades will be posted will be the official course website. All materials to be turned in for this class must be typed, or computer printed. They should be double-spaced, with normal font sizes and margins, and secured with a staple.  Basically, make it easy to handle and read.Papers and longer assignments will be accepted online, as attachments in either Microsoft Word or RTF formats.  If you do submit online, make sure you get a confirmation of receipt.  The instructor assumes no responsibility for papers lost in transit (online or otherwise). No extensions on the main report will be given. Students with extremely valid excuses may be given an opportunity to make up tests and other assignments. The instructor is the final arbiter of excuses and their acceptability. You must contact the professor as soon as you are aware of any problems or conflicts. While students are encouraged to study and work together, it is also expected that all work turned in will be original and individual-- plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a score of 0 on the plagiarized work and/or notification of appropriate authorities. If you still have any doubts as to what plagiarism is, consult your various handbooks and guides, or ask the instructor. The instructor is willing to work with students with special needs, and make any necessary special arrangements possible to facilitate their learning experience in this class. However, those individuals will need to consult with the instructor about their needs as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to modify the course schedule and requirements. Any changes will be announced during class meetings and on the official class website (under announcements).Tentative ScheduleWeeks 1-4Intro to Scientific Method & Research Design IssuesWeeks 5-12Various MethodsWeeks 13+Analyzing and Presenting Research