Course Title: Knowledge Network Individual Project

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Knowledge Network Individual Project

Credit Points: 24

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COMM2242	City Campus	Postgraduate	345H Media and Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006

Course Coordinator: Dr Fiona Peterson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9782

Course Coordinator Email:fiona.peterson@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

All first year courses or equivalent

Course Description

This course is the summation of the two previous semesters. You will investigate a virtual communication theme or issue of interest, emanating from the underpinning coursework in the program. The program coordinator approves the proposal.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

· design and develop a research project of a masters by coursework standard
· lead discourse for development and refinement of concepts
· present a research project of a masters by coursework standard
· work to strict deadlines

On successful completion of this course you will develop capabilities; for example:

· ability to undertake advanced research and technological communication, including critical and creative problem solving, ethical and analytical thinking
· professional practice skills commensurate with contemporary and predicted business practice, including professional responsibilities
· ability to lead, innovate and add to the existing body of knowledge in the field
· professional practice skills to manage a timely research project

Overview of Learning Activities

Underpinning theories, existing models and new paradigms will be explored. You will be expected to exercise independent, analytical and critical thinking for developing concepts related to virtual communication.

Collaborative communication tools will be used to facilitate project work through the Distributed Learning System (DLS), in addition to face-to-face seminar style sessions. Online and print resources may be used.

Overview of Learning Resources

A detailed learning map and guides are in the course area of the DLS. A hard copy of the learning map will be given to you at the first session. Reading appropriate for your research project topic will be determined jointly by you and the supervisor.

Overview of Assessment

1. Individual research proposal, 2500 words (20% individual grade)

2. Individual research project, 10,000 words (80% individual grade). Variations may be negotiated with the supervisor; for example, inclusion of a multimedia componentI

Innovative practical application grounded in strong theoretical frameworks, or an innovative theoretical exposition will be required. If you choose to include a multimedia component, the word count of the written component will be reduced by negotiation with the supervisor.

Due dates are listed in the learning map in the course area of the DLS.