Course Syllabus

MC 451: Research Methods for Mass Communications

Spring 2026

Essential Information

Item Details
Instructor Alex P. Leith, PhD
Email aleith@siue.edu
Office Dunham Hall 1017
Office Hours MW 10:00–11:30 AM and 1:30–3:00 PM
Class Time MW 3:00–4:15 PM
Classroom Dunham Hall 2039
Duration Jan 12 – May 08, 2026
Course Website https://sim-lab-siue.github.io/mc451-liaison-program/
Textbook Vibes to Variables (OER - Free)

Contact Methods

  • Email: aleith@siue.edu (preferred for time-insensitive and confidential communication)
  • Discord: APLeith (preferred for time-sensitive or casual communication)
  • Teams: Schedule meetings for short and medium-length consultations

Course Description

MC 451—Research Methods in Mass Media introduces students to core research methodologies used in mass communication. Through this course, students will explore quantitative and qualitative research methods, including surveys, experimental designs, content analysis, and in-depth interviews. The course emphasizes development of skills necessary for the design, execution, and presentation of research studies while engaging with professional and ethical principles that guide mass communication research.

Course Structure: The Five Phases

Phase I: The Journalist (Weeks 1-4) - 150 points

  • Weekly Reading Journal (150 pts)
  • GitHub Profile Setup (included in Phase II)

Phase II: The Architect (Weeks 2-4) - 125 points

  • GitHub Profile (25 pts)
  • Syllabus Contract (25 pts)
  • Project Setup (25 pts)
  • Archivist Report (25 pts)

Phase III: The Builder (Weeks 5-12) - 250 points

  • Annotated Manuscript (25 pts)
  • Project Prospectus (25 pts)
  • Topic Selection - RQs (25 pts)
  • Definitions Practice (25 pts)
  • Codebook & Qual Memo (50 pts)
  • Sampling Plan & Pilot (75 pts)
  • CITI Ethics Certification (50 pts)

Phase IV: The Analyst (Weeks 13-15) - 225 points

  • Data Wrangling [R] (50 pts)
  • Describing Data [R] (75 pts)
  • Inferencing Data [R] (100 pts)

Phase V: The Publisher (Weeks 16-17) - 250 points

  • Final Web Portfolio (250 pts)

Total Points: 1000

Grading Scale

Grade Points
A 900-1000
B 800-899
C 700-799
D 600-699
F < 599

Required Software

All software is free and open-source:

  • R - Statistical computing environment
  • RStudio - IDE for R and Python
  • Obsidian - Personal knowledge management
  • Quarto - Scientific and technical publishing
  • Git - Version control

Installation Guides →

Course Policies

Late Work

  • Late submissions (after Friday 11:59 PM): -10% per business day
  • Non-emergency extensions must be requested before the deadline
  • Assignments more than one weekday late without approval: 0 points

Resubmission

Assignments worth 50+ points may be revised and resubmitted within one week: - Final grade = average of original and resubmission - Example: 60% + 80% resubmission = 70% final grade

Participation

Success requires attendance and active participation. Regular engagement with readings, activities, and discussions is essential.

Academic Integrity

Per the SIUE Student Academic Code (3C2), plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and may lead to failure on an assignment, in class, or dismissal from the University. Students must comply with University policies on academic honesty.

Weekly Schedule

Week Dates Phase Topic Assignments Due
1 Jan 12 The Journalist Ch 1: The Science of Storytelling GitHub Profile
2 Jan 19 The Publisher Ch 2: The Publishing Engine Syllabus Contract
3 Jan 26 The Scientist Ch 3: The Scientific Approach Project Setup
4 Feb 02 The Search Ch 4: Intelligence Gathering Archivist Report
5 Feb 09 The Lens Ch 5: Theory as a Lens Annotated Manuscript
6 Feb 16 The Architect Ch 6: The Project Brief Project Prospectus
7 Feb 23 The Translator Ch 7: Structured Listening Topic Selection (RQs)
8 Mar 02 The Variables Ch 8: From Vibes to Variables Definitions Practice
9 Mar 09 SPRING BREAK No Readings
10 Mar 16 The Rulebook Ch 9: The Rulebook Codebook & Qual Memo
11 Mar 23 The Sample Ch 10: The Sample Sampling Plan / Pilot
12 Mar 30 Field Work No Reading CITI Certification
13 Apr 06 The Analyst Ch 11: Wrangling the Data Data Wrangling [R]
14 Apr 13 The Narrative Ch 12: Visualizing the Narrative Describing Data [R]
15 Apr 20 The Inference Ch 13: Making the Call Inferencing Data [R]
16 Apr 27 Remote Assembly Ch 14: The One-Click Report
17 May 04 Finals Week Final Web Portfolio

Schedule subject to change with notice

Additional Support

Accommodations (ACCESS)

Contact Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support: - Website: siue.edu/access - Email: myaccess@siue.edu
- Phone: 618-650-3726 - Location: Student Success Center, Room 1203

Counseling Services (Cougar Care)

  • Website: cougarcare.siue.edu
  • Phone: 618-650-2842
  • Location: Student Success Center, Room 0222

Academic Support

  • Lovejoy Library Resources
  • Academic Success Sessions
  • Tutoring Resource Center
  • The Writing Center
  • Student Success Coaches (via Starfish)

Technical Support (ITS)

Download Full Syllabus

📄 Download Complete Syllabus (PDF)

All material, assignments, and deadlines are subject to change with prior notice. - Academic integrity: cite data sources and collaborators

Quick Reference

Course Structure: Five Phases

  1. Phase 1: Orientation — Understand your role and set up your workspace
  2. Phase 2: Discovery — Learn research methodologies and ask the right questions
  3. Phase 3: The Dictionary — Master codebook creation and variable definition
  4. Phase 4: Execution — Apply what you’ve learned to real projects
  5. Phase 5: Delivery — Present findings and communicate impact

Key Resources

  • Liaison Obsidian Vault — Download on the Resources page
  • Weekly Journal Template — Included in vault; guidance on the Resources page
  • Data Dictionary Template — Included in vault for Week 8–10 projects

Getting Help

  • Office hours: Stop by anytime during posted hours or schedule an appointment
  • Email: Send questions to aleith@siue.edu
  • Course site: Check the sidebar for Phase-specific materials and guidance