Prerequisite(s)

●   IMT4421 Scientific Methodology

On the basis of

• IMT4032 Usability and Human Factors in Interaction Design
• IMT4042 User-oriented Information Architecture
• IMT5341 Methods in user-centred design

Expected learning outcomes

The student possesses advanced knowledge on a topic within the area covered by the Master Programme, an understanding of academic writing style and is able to assess research quality. The course contributes towards the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

• The candidate possesses knowledge of main media- and information technologies, and is able to discuss their qualities, sociality and historical development.
• The candidate has insight in scientific language, academic writing style and documentation structure and techniques for quoting/referencing.
• The candidate has specialized insight and understanding of the research frontier on a selected topic within the area covered by the Master Programme, and is able to discuss literature, existing theories, methodologies and trends related to the chosen topic.
• The candidate is able to explain ethical issues related to research.
• The candidate is able to discuss ethical issues related to the media and information technology of our time.

Skills

• The candidate is able to analyse and evaluate research and literature, with emphasis on theory, methodology and problem definition presentation.
• The candidate is able to conduct a literature review and communicate scientific subjects, analysis and conclusions in a scientific manner both orally and in writing.
• The candidate is able to plan and present own theoretical framework and formulate research problem, research questions and suitable methodology for their thesis research project.
• The candidate is able to critically review and provide feedback on the dissertation work of others.

General knowledge

• The candidate is able to plan and execute an independent and limited research project, analyse and evaluate existing research, identify and define relevant research topics and write a literature review on a chosen topic.

Topic(s)

• The development of logical, material and social information and media-technology institutions throughout history.
• Academic writing.
• Problem definition and choice of methods.
• Project planning.
• Identifying, selecting and structuring published research work and scientific sources relevant to a topic.
• Role of opponent; the critical reading and discussion of the work of others.
• The advanced project work topic is to be chosen in consultation with the supervisor.

Teaching Methods

Lectures
Group works
Mandatory assignments
Project work
Meeting(s)/Seminar(s)
Tutoring

Teaching Methods (additional text)

Literature review report

Form(s) of Assessment

Oral exam, individually
Evaluation of Project(s)

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

• Project assessment: Handing in portfolio with literature review and compulsory practical assignments and exercises (counts 40 % towards grade).
• Oral presentation, individual (counts 60 % towards grade).
• Both must be approved as passed.

Grading Scale

Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)

External/internal examiner

External and internal examiner.

Re-sit examination

Next ordinary exam.

Coursework Requirements

• Oral presentation; excerpts from own thesis work is presented for discussion.
• Candidates are required to be opponents (i.e. be critical reader and start the discussion) in relation to the text of two fellow students.
• Candidates must read a chosen curriculum (400 pages) with theoretical material that will support the work of the thesis. This curriculum is selected in consultation with the supervisor and also approved by him or her.

Teaching Materials

Tentative, final teaching materials well be announced prior to course start:

• Briggs, Asa, and Peter Burke. 2009. A social history of the media: from Gutenberg to the Internet. Third edition. Cambridge: Polity Press
• Crowley, David and Paul Heyer, eds (2010). Communication in history: Technology, culture, society. Sixth edition. Harlow: Pearson
• Haugsbakk, Geir (2010). Digital skole på sviktende grunnlag: Om nye muligheter og dilemmaer. Oslo: Gyldendal akademisk
• Booth, Wayne C. (m.fl.). The craft of research. 2 ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press

In addition, the candidate must choose a theoretical curriculum of 400 pages depending on the particular agreed upon topic. The curriculum should be material the student wishes to use in conjunction with a master's thesis. The curriculum is approved by the thesis supervisor.

Replacement course for

Replaces IMT5351 and IMT5361

Additional information

Partially overlap with IMT4601 Research Project Planning and IMT5251 Advanced project work. Shared lectures/seminars might be appropriate.