COMMS 706 : Communication Case Studies
Arts
2025 Semester Two (1255) (30 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
Comms 706 is a new course in 2024 and is offered online only. The syllabus is structured around a series of case studies by Communication scholars who will outline their current research project in a series of two-week Research Modules. Each scholar will present the projects they are working on or have worked on, and describe how their research relates to the central questions of the course, particularly looking at 'challenges to the contemporary world' and how they are contributing to the 'development of solutions.' The Research Modules will vary from year to year, depending on both the research direction of the scholars participating, but also on changing societal issues.
The course is comprised of five modules, each two weeks in length. Each module is based on an in-depth interview with the researcher which is presented as an Interview Podcast. The podcast addresses a range of issues and ideas including - the theory that informs the research involved in the case study; the methodology chosen to explore its central question, for example, qualitative, quantitative (or both), or a creative approach, for example, the production of a documentary or creative output; a discussion of the actual research output or a work-in-progress; a consideration of how the project developed; and its findings and expected and unexpected outcomes. Scholars will also discuss how their case study engages with the subject of the course, that is, how it intersects with social change and how it contributes to possible solutions. For example, will it help shape policy? Engage and inform the public? Empower and mobilise certain communities? Contribute to and update an existing body of knowledge?
Module topics could include but are not limited to, indigenous data, futures, documentary production and social issues, labour issues and the precariat, communication, media representation, and climate change.
This course is asynchronous that is, there are no formal lectures or tutorials. Students will receive course content through Canvas, which will include but is not limited to readings, videos, and more. Those enrolled will work through their material in their own time. However, there will be group sessions and lecturer/student and peer exchanges through Zoom or Teams.
Assessment is likely to involve developing a critical reading of one of the modules and the development of a research proposal aligned with one of them. There will also be a series of activities assigned weekly to engage students with the topic at hand.
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 1: | People and Place |
| Capability 2: | Sustainability |
| Capability 3: | Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 4: | Critical Thinking |
| Capability 5: | Solution Seeking |
| Capability 6: | Communication |
| Capability 8: | Ethics and Professionalism |
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the case study and how it fits in the field of Communication. (Capability 3, 4, 6 and 8)
- Critically evaluate the specific case studies in this course and their relationship to social change. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Develop, create and reflect upon your own Research Proposal aligned with one of the case studies. (Capability 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8)
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding the components that constitute a research proposal. (Capability 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Describe and evaluate the multiple ways that scholarship can be disseminated for social good. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Critical review of a Case Study | 40% | Individual Coursework |
| A Research Proposal | 60% | Individual Coursework |
| 2 types | 100% |
A note here - as this course is still in development, the assessments may change but it will be 100% coursework with no exam.
Exam Mode
- There is no final exam for this course
Further information about exams can be found at https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/about-exams.html
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 30-point, 700-level course and students are expected to spend 20+ hours per week of graduate-level work, meaning 3 hours of active participation in online activities and discussions, plus 17 hours of work outside the class for readings and assignments.
Delivery Mode
Online
The course will not include live online events.
Study material will be available at course commencement.
This course runs to the University semester/quarter timetable and all the associated completion dates and deadlines will apply.
This course is available for delivery to students studying remotely outside NZ in 2024.
Learning Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
Student Feedback
At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.
Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.
Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.
This is a new course.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework, tests and examinations as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic version of their work for computerised review.
Class Representatives
Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Well-being always comes first
We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there - for more information, look at this Canvas page https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/33894, which has links to various support services in the University and the wider community.
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Learning Continuity
In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.