Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Communication Research
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,
Teaching staff
Email.
Introduction
The course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of academic research in communication. Conceived as an introductory course, it provides the foundations for understanding how scientific knowledge is generated in fields such as audiovisual communication, advertising, public relations, journalism, and media studies. Throughout the course, students will learn how to identify and consult academic sources, read and interpret scholarly articles, become familiar with fundamental concepts such as the state of the art, the theoretical framework, and research methodologies, and develop a critical approach to scholarly research. The course provides the methodological foundation required to undertake the research-oriented modules of the degree successfully and to prepare future academic work.
Pre-course requirements
No.
Objectives
- To navigate the broad and heterogeneous field of theoretical thought on communication, a complex landscape of propositions, theories, concepts, and paradigms that are often incompatible with one another.
- To acquire the analytical tools required to develop critical perspectives on the different dynamics and dimensions of the contemporary communication ecosystem.
- To identify and consult the main sources of scholarly information, as well as to understand the key concepts commonly found in scholarly articles.
- To recognise and consult the leading academic journals in the fields covered by the degree programme.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN02 - Identify the various stakeholders in the contemporary audiovisual sector, their roles and the operational dynamics of a digital and globalised environment.
- CN03 - Identify emerging trends and developments within the global audiovisual ecosystem, including new formats and production technologies.
- CN04 - Explain the current legal and ethical framework governing the creation and distribution of audiovisual products, taking into account the sector's regulatory requirements.
- CN07 - Recognise the main contemporary artificial intelligence tools with applications in the audiovisual sector.
- CN08 - Identify themes and styles that make audiovisual projects appealing to different audiences and markets.
- CP02 - Critically examine contemporary social developments and contextualise audiovisual works appropriately.
- CP03 - Communicate information and original ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, in Spanish, Catalan and English.
- CP04 - Apply professional ethical principles and standards of academic rigour in the audiovisual field, respecting the fundamental right to equality between women and men, promoting human rights, a culture of peace and democratic values, including the use of inclusive, non-discriminatory and stereotype-free language.
- HB01 - Use a range of media research and documentation resources.
- HB02 - Apply professional techniques in body language and voice presentation to create impactful audiovisual content.
- HB03 - Critically analyse contemporary audiovisual genres and formats using professional aesthetic and narrative criteria.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Students will be able to:
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To acquire a broad overview of the audiovisual sector.
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To recognise the influence of the media on public opinion in contemporary societies.
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To define basic concepts of academic research and identify the main theories, methodologies and research areas in the field of communication.
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To facilitate relationships between individuals and organisations by defining an organisation’s corporate image and culture.
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To recognise the main functions of advertising and public relations, with particular attention to the use of audiovisual communication to promote products and services and improve perceptions of an organisation or brand.
Syllabus
BLOCK 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION RESEARCH: THEORIES, APPROACHES, AND SCHOLARLY SOURCES
BLOCK 2: THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING, CONDUCTING, AND DISSEMINATING COMMUNICATION RESEARCH
Bibliography and resources
Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Row Peterson.
Igartua, J. J., & Humanes, M. L. (2004). Teoría e investigación en comunicación social. Síntesis.
Rodrigo Alsina, M. (2001). Teorías de la comunicación: Ámbitos, métodos y perspectivas. Aldea Global.
Wolf, M. (1987). La investigación de la comunicación de masas: Crítica y perspectivas. Paidós.
- Google Scholar
- Biblioteca i repositori digital de UIC Barcelona
- APA Publication Manual