Detailed Course Outlines
Research Debates (MC 7101)[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Semester: I[cite: 1]
Objectives
Familiarize students with methodologies used to approach issues from multiple perspectives, develop critical thinking to evaluate research papers, and build analytical abilities to write critique reports[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Major Philosophical Thinkers & Viewpoints (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus)[cite: 1]
- Ontology, Epistemology, Methodology, and Paradigms[cite: 1]
- Positivism / Post-positivism[cite: 1]
- Rationalism vs. Empiricism, Pragmatism, Idealism, Realism, Materialism[cite: 1]
- Frankfurt School & Existentialism[cite: 1]
- Interpretivism / Constructivism[cite: 1]
- Deductive vs. Inductive reasoning[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Morehouse, R. E., & Maykut, P. (2002). Beginning qualitative research: A philosophical and practical guide. Routledge.[cite: 1]
- Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., & Jackson, P. R. (2012). Management research. Sage.[cite: 1]
- Prasad, P. (2017). Crafting qualitative research: Beyond positivist traditions. Routledge.[cite: 1]
- Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2008). The landscape of qualitative research (Vol. 1). Sage.[cite: 1]
- Shusterman, R. (2016). Practicing philosophy: Pragmatism and the philosophical life. Routledge.[cite: 1]
Managing Information (MC 7102)[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Semester: I[cite: 1]
Objectives
Learn how to collect, retrieve, and structure information effectively for research purposes, leveraging modern digital tools, artificial intelligence, and reference management software[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Data modeling and creation of subject-predicate relationship (Nexus Relationship)[cite: 1]
- Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) & Digital Information Governance[cite: 1]
- Artificial Intelligence applications in Information Management & Metadata population[cite: 1]
- Cloud-deployed Information Systems & Integrated Systems[cite: 1]
- Information Retrieval Techniques, Information Behavior & Ethics[cite: 1]
- Research Data Management (RDM) & Quality Assessment[cite: 1]
- Reference Management Software (Mendeley, EndNote) and APA Citation Standards[cite: 1]
- Scholarly Publishing and publication optimization[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Bytheway, A. (2014). The information management body of knowledge. Springer.[cite: 1]
- Ray, J. M. (Ed.). (2014). Research data management: Practical strategies for information professionals. Purdue University Press.[cite: 1]
- Baykoucheva, S. (2015). Managing scientific information and research data. Chandos Publishing.[cite: 1]
- Bergman, O., & Whittaker, S. The Science of Managing Our Digital Stuff.[cite: 1]
- Weinberger, D. Everything Is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder.[cite: 1]
Tools and Skills of Social Sciences Research (MC 7103)[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Semester: I[cite: 1]
Objectives
Introduce fundamental tools and statistical methods for social science research, providing hands-on data editing, screening, SPSS/NVivo software skills, and mixed-methods integration[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Foundations & Toolkits: Ethics in data handling, introduction to SPSS, NVivo, and Atlas.ti[cite: 1]
- Quantitative Skills: Questionnaire design, variable definition, screening, descriptive analysis, and scale reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha)[cite: 1]
- Inferential Statistics: t-tests, ANOVA (One-way, Two-way, Repeated), Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, Pearson/Spearman Correlations[cite: 1]
- Qualitative Skills: In-depth interviews, FGDs, thematic analysis, grounded theory, credibility & trustworthiness[cite: 1]
- Qualitative Software Use: Coding, theme generation, and modeling in NVivo/Atlas.ti[cite: 1]
- Mixed Methods Integration: Pragmatism, combining SPSS output with qualitative insights[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Field, A. (2000). Discovering Statistics using SPSS. Sage.[cite: 1]
- Pallant, J. (2013). SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using SPSS. McGraw-Hill.[cite: 1]
- Gaur, A. S., & Gaur, S. S. (1997). Statistical Methods for Practice in Research: A guide to data analysis using SPSS. Sage.[cite: 1]
- Nicol, A. A. M., & Pexman, P. M. (2002). Presenting Your Findings: A practical guide for creating tables. APA.[cite: 1]
Dissertation Writing Workshop (MC 7201)[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Semester: II[cite: 1]
Objectives
Provide hands-on guidelines to draft, organize, and revise academic texts, prepare proposals, write research articles, and structure a doctoral dissertation[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Types and general features of scientific writing[cite: 1]
- Planning, summarizing, organizing, and avoiding plagiarism[cite: 1]
- Formulating research questions and titles[cite: 1]
- Differentiating Introduction vs. Literature Review[cite: 1]
- Writing Methods, Methodology, Research Design, and Sampling[cite: 1]
- Distinguishing Results section from Discussion section[cite: 1]
- Data display, transitions, referencing, and proofreading[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Lester, J. D., & Lester, J. D. (2012). Writing research papers: A complete guide. Pearson.[cite: 1]
- Cooper, H. M. (1984). The integrative research review: A systematic approach. Sage.[cite: 1]
- Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage.[cite: 1]
- Schimel, J. (2012). Writing science: how to write papers that get cited and proposals that get funded. OUP USA.[cite: 1]
Research Practicum (MC 7202)[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Semester: II[cite: 1]
Objectives
Engage scholars with foundational and contemporary communication theories, peer-review processes, proposal/report formulation, and critical academic presentations[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Integrating theory and research quantitatively and qualitatively[cite: 1]
- Agenda-setting effects of mass communication[cite: 1]
- Media Priming & Third-Person Effect meta-analyses[cite: 1]
- Media Gatekeeping & Spiral of Silence theories[cite: 1]
- Cultivation Analysis & Framing paradigm[cite: 1]
- Diffusion of Innovations[cite: 1]
- Peer review simulation for journal manuscripts[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Stacks, D. W., & Salwen, M. (1996). An Integrated Approach to Communication Theory and Research. Lawrence Erlbaum.[cite: 1]
- Preiss, R. W., Gayle, B. M., Burrell, N., & Allen, M. (2006). Mass media effects research: Advances through meta-analysis. Routledge.[cite: 1]
- Signorielli, N., & Morgan, M. (1996). Cultivation Analysis: Research & Practice.[cite: 1]
Media and Politics[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Elective[cite: 1]
Objectives
Critically analyze political representation in media, media's role in conflicts, foreign policy, peacebuilding, and democratic processes[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Theorizing Media and Conflict: Paradigms & Perspectives[cite: 1]
- Media in Total Wars vs. Limited Wars (WWs to Vietnam & Iraq)[cite: 1]
- Media & Ethno-Nationalist Conflicts (Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Palestine)[cite: 1]
- Peacebuilding, Truth-Telling, and Reconciliation[cite: 1]
- Global Media, Foreign Policy, and Terrorism[cite: 1]
- New Media Wars, Cyber Warfare, and Civil Unrest (Arab Spring)[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Cottle, S. (2006). Mediatized Conflict: Developments in Media and Conflict Studies. Open University Press.[cite: 1]
- Carruthers, S. L. (2000). The Media at War: Communication and Conflict in the Twentieth Century. Palgrave Macmillan.[cite: 1]
- Wolfsfeld, G. (2004). Media and the Path to Peace. Cambridge University Press.[cite: 1]
Media and Conflict Resolution[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Elective[cite: 1]
Objectives
Examine theories on the causes, dynamics, and resolution of armed conflicts, evaluating media tools for conflict transformation and peace journalism[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Wars and Conflict Theory in the 20th Century[cite: 1]
- Propaganda mechanics and media effects in violent conflicts[cite: 1]
- Direct, structural, and cultural violence (Galtung models)[cite: 1]
- Peace Media & Communication for Development (C4D)[cite: 1]
- Peace Journalism and Conflict-Sensitive Journalism[cite: 1]
- Case Studies: Rwanda, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Middle East[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Nye, J. S. Understanding International Conflict.[cite: 1]
- Bratic, V. (2006). Examining peace-oriented media in areas of violent conflict. IPRA.[cite: 1]
- Lynch, J. Peace Journalism.[cite: 1]
Media and Gender[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Elective[cite: 1]
Objectives
Understand theories of power, representation, and social identity; analyze gender portrayal across film, news, and digital media[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Applying Foucault & Butler to Gender, Discourse, and Performance[cite: 1]
- Content Analysis & Semiotics in Gender/Media studies[cite: 1]
- Media representations of masculinity and femininity[cite: 1]
- Feminism, Post-Feminism, and Sexual Empowerment[cite: 1]
- Gender, Sports Coverage, and Advertising[cite: 1]
- Case Studies: Gender and Media representation in Pakistan[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Gauntlett, D. Media, Gender and Identity: An Introduction.[cite: 1]
- Hall, S. The Work of Representation.[cite: 1]
- Byerly, C. M., & Ross, K. (2006). Women and Media: A Critical Introduction. Blackwell.[cite: 1]
- Shaheen, F. (2008). Glass Ceiling: Empowerment of Women through Media. Women Media Centre Pakistan.[cite: 1]
Media Technology[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Elective[cite: 1]
Objectives
Explore digital competencies, convergent media storytelling, instructional technologies, and modern communication media's impact on education and societal narrative[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Writing for Digital Media & Convergent Storytelling[cite: 1]
- Broadcast, Print, and Motion Graphics Animation[cite: 1]
- Blogging, Micro-blogging, and Social Media Campaigns[cite: 1]
- Social Media Marketing & Technological Revolutions[cite: 1]
- New Media Theory & Information Technology integration[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Stepich, D. A., Lehman, J. D., & Newby, T. J. Instructional technology for teaching and learning.[cite: 1]
- Goel, S. K. Communication media and information technology.[cite: 1]
- Liesol, G., Morrison, A., & Rasmussen, T. Digital media revisited: theoretical and conceptual innovation.[cite: 1]
Media Economics[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Elective[cite: 1]
Objectives
Familiarize scholars with economic approaches to media, multi-sided markets, information pricing, and ownership impacts on content diversity[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Microeconomics Review: Perfect competition vs. Monopoly[cite: 1]
- Economics of Information Goods, Price Discrimination & Bundling[cite: 1]
- Media platforms as Two-Sided Markets[cite: 1]
- Supply chain and Integration strategies[cite: 1]
- Economics of Online Advertising and Privacy[cite: 1]
- Public policy and social roles of commercial media[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Rysman, M. (2009). "The Economics of Two-Sided Markets". Journal of Economic Perspectives.[cite: 1]
- McChesney, R. W. (2008). The Political Economy of Media. Monthly Review Press.[cite: 1]
- Evans, D. S. (2009). "The Online Advertising Industry: Economics, Evolution, and Privacy". Journal of Economic Perspectives.[cite: 1]
Visual Communication[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Elective[cite: 1]
Objectives
Equip students with theoretical and practical visual literacy, design principles, typography, and analysis techniques for modern visual platforms[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Principles of Design & Visual Literacy[cite: 1]
- Composition, Layout, and Typography[cite: 1]
- Photo Compositing & Adjustments[cite: 1]
- Illustration & Color Theory Applications[cite: 1]
- Analysis and Assessment of Visual Artifacts[cite: 1]
- Professional Workflow & Client Brief execution[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Lester, P. M. (2013). Visual communication: Images with messages. Cengage Learning.[cite: 1]
- Ivins, W. M. (1969). Prints and visual communication. MIT Press.[cite: 1]
- Hodgdon, L. A. (1995). Visual strategies for improving communication. QuirkRoberts Pub.[cite: 1]
Media Management[cite: 1]
Credit Hours: 3 | Level: Ph.D. | Elective[cite: 1]
Objectives
Equip scholars with strategic and operational management tools to navigate contemporary media markets, creative industries, and digital platforms[cite: 1].
Topics Covered
- Managing Diverse Media Forms & Cultural/Political Systems[cite: 1]
- Media & Creative Industry Markets[cite: 1]
- Strategic & Operational Disciplines for Media Executives[cite: 1]
- Emerging Media Management & Social Media Marketing Evolution[cite: 1]
- Media Innovation & Organizational Change[cite: 1]
Key Readings
- Chan-Olmsted, S. M. (2006). Competitive strategy for media firms: Strategic and brand management in changing media markets. Routledge.[cite: 1]
- Albarran, A. B. (Ed.). (2013). The social media industries. Routledge.[cite: 1]
- O'Brien, J. A., & Marakas, G. M. (2006). Management information systems. McGraw-Hill Irwin.[cite: 1]