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Graduate Course Proposal Form Submission Detail - MMC6447
Tracking Number - 5075

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Current Status: Approved by SCNS - 2016-07-01
Campus: Tampa
Submission Type: New
Course Change Information (for course changes only):
Comments: Required for Mass Comm (Cat Copy recd). To GC. Approved. Nmbr 6445 apprd as 6447 eff 7/1/16

Detail Information

  1. Date & Time Submitted: 2014-09-29
  2. Department: Mass Communications
  3. College: AS
  4. Budget Account Number: 124700
  5. Contact Person: Samuel Bradley
  6. Phone: 46934
  7. Email: sbradley3@usf.edu
  8. Prefix: MMC
  9. Number: 6447
  10. Full Title: Quantitative Research Methods in Mass Communications
  11. Credit Hours: 3
  12. Section Type: C - Class Lecture (Primarily)
  13. Is the course title variable?: N
  14. Is a permit required for registration?: Y
  15. Are the credit hours variable?: N
  16. Is this course repeatable?: N
  17. If repeatable, how many times?: 0
  18. Abbreviated Title (30 characters maximum): Quant Research Methods
  19. Course Online?: C - Face-to-face (0% online)
  20. Percentage Online: 0
  21. Grading Option: R - Regular
  22. Prerequisites:
  23. Corequisites:
  24. Course Description: Examination of the process and techniques involved in quantitative data collection and analysis for mass communication purposes.

  25. Please briefly explain why it is necessary and/or desirable to add this course: Needed for program/concentration/certificate change
  26. What is the need or demand for this course? (Indicate if this course is part of a required sequence in the major.) What other programs would this course service? All graduate students in Mass Communications must take this course in order to graduate.
  27. Has this course been offered as Selected Topics/Experimental Topics course? If yes, how many times? No
  28. What qualifications for training and/or experience are necessary to teach this course? (List minimum qualifications for the instructor.) Terminal Degree required.
  29. Objectives: The major objective of the course is to provide a survey of quantitative research methods that will allow the student to: (1) develop an appropriate research design when confronted with a problem requiring the collection and analysis of empirical data, and (2) evaluate the relevance and adequacy of information derived from and attached to the empirical world, and (3) acquire a deeper appreciation for the importance of quantitative literacy in scientific mass communication research.
  30. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the semester, students should have improved their abilities to conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work; apply basic numerical and statistical concepts; think critically, creatively and independently; write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve; critically evaluate your own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness; understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information; work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity; apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
  31. Major Topics: Major course topics include: approaches to research, research design and measurement, statistics and SPSS, composite measures survey research, experimental design.
  32. Textbooks: Wrench, J., Thomas-Maddox, C., Richmond, V., & McCroskey, J. (2012). Quantitative research methods for communication. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0199931804
  33. Course Readings, Online Resources, and Other Purchases: SPSS 22.0 for Windows or Mac
  34. Student Expectations/Requirements and Grading Policy: Student evaluation will be based on the composite performance in the following areas:

    First Research Proposal: 20%

    Research Proposal Presentation: 10%

    Final Research Proposal: 40%

    Class Participation: 10%

    Final Exam: 20%

  35. Assignments, Exams and Tests: Research Proposal: Each student will write a quantitative research proposal over the course.

    Final Exam

    At the end of the semester, there will be a 48-hour, take-home exam. Students may consult all notes as well as the reading materials to answer the exam questions.

  36. Attendance Policy: Course Attendance at First Class Meeting – Policy for Graduate Students: For structured courses, 6000 and above, the College/Campus Dean will set the first-day class attendance requirement. Check with the College for specific information. This policy is not applicable to courses in the following categories: Educational Outreach, Open University (TV), FEEDS Program, Community Experiential Learning (CEL), Cooperative Education Training, and courses that do not have regularly scheduled meeting days/times (such as, directed reading/research or study, individual research, thesis, dissertation, internship, practica, etc.). Students are responsible for dropping undesired courses in these categories by the 5th day of classes to avoid fee liability and academic penalty. (See USF Regulation – Registration - 4.0101,

    http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/ogc%20web/currentreg.htm)

    Attendance Policy for the Observance of Religious Days by Students: In accordance with Sections 1006.53 and 1001.74(10)(g) Florida Statutes and Board of Governors Regulation 6C-6.0115, the University of South Florida (University/USF) has established the following policy regarding religious observances: (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/gc_pp/acadaf/gc10-045.htm)

    In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It’s the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.

  37. Policy on Make-up Work: The policy on make-up work is determined by the instructor. Students should reference the University Policy on Academic Integrity.
  38. Program This Course Supports: Master of Arts in Mass Communications
  39. Course Concurrence Information:


- if you have questions about any of these fields, please contact chinescobb@grad.usf.edu or joe@grad.usf.edu.