32615b

WiSe 22/23: Content Analytical Research Methods & Climate Change Communication

Curd Benjamin Knüpfer, Sebastian Kohl

Information for students

The course is primarily offered for the MA North American Studies program. As part of a teaching cooperation, a total of 3 seminar places are additionally offered for interested students of the MA Media and Political Communication and MA Journalism and Communication Studies. THE CLASS WILL TAKE PLACE IN HYBRID FORMAT, MEANING THAT STUDENTS HAVE THE OPTION OF PARTICPATING VIA WEBEX OR IN PERSON (MASKED). close

Comments

This MA-level, interdisciplinary seminar will introduce students to qualitative and quantitative methods of text-based content analysis. Students will be provided with the practical skillset to formulate their own research questions and construct an original research design. Substantively, the seminar will focus on the general topic of the climate crisis. Texts such as political speeches, scientific reports or media coverage will serve as case studies and form the broad basis for all formulated research questions in this class. The semester will be structured around four blocks: first, we will gain an introductory understanding of content analytical approaches as a method in political science and sociology. Second, we will look at examples of existing content analytical studies which centered on climate change communication. Third, we will learn how to build a codebook and qualitatively evaluate texts, using the software MAXQDA. In the final block, we will obtain a basic understanding for quantitative content analytical methods via an introduction to computational methods via R. Participating students are expected to regularly complete tasks by themselves, the results of which might be openly demonstrated and communicated in class. To obtain full credit, students must submit a 20-page term paper, based on the research design they develop throughout the semester. PLEASE NOTE: This will be a work-intensive, interactive class. Do not take this lightly – the point here is to acquire and then apply new methodological approaches. Next to completing the required readings, you will be expected to install and learn new software on your computer – or by using the library work pool, if you are unable to access a device otherwise. You will also be expected to demonstrate your new skills via regular participation and presentations in class. close