Gustavo Leitão Cardoso

Filipa Mónica de Brito Gonçalves Subtil

Maria João Anastácio Centeno

Vania Baldi

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
LO1. Identify the requirements and main components of a research project in the field of communication sciences, with demanding academic parameters in terms of quality and ethics;
LO2. Design a doctoral thesis project in communication sciences that contributes to the advancement of knowledge on social, economic, political and cultural phenomena, based on the study of communication and/or the theoretical and methodological tools of communication sciences, such as digital methods, at a level that is susceptible to scientific publication;
LO3. Plan the development of the research in a way that is consistent, feasible and adjusted to the period of time available for the completion of the doctoral thesis.

CP1. Research in communication sciences: objectives, methods and results.
CP2. Scientific research projects, integration into research centres, scientific publication.
CP3. Types of research and research strategies. Theory and empirical research. Problems of operationalisation. Familiarisation and distancing: problems of interference. Auxiliary research theories. Levels of analysis. Modes of inference. Modes of explanation.
CP4. Ethical issues in communication science research.
CP5. Research design and components of the research project.

Assessment focuses on:
i) participation in the seminar;
ii) the preparation of a research project for a doctoral thesis, presented in a written document according to the FCT model.

Jorge Samuel Pinto Vieira

Sandra Marisa Lopes Miranda

At the end of the curricular unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - Understand the various stages of an investigation in communication sciences.

LO2 - Carry out a literature review on a scientific (sub)field of their thesis, managing to systematize and present the results of this review. Namely, main research agendas, themes, theories, authors, objects, problems, objectives, research designs and methodologies, as well as communication research challenges.

LO3 - Be able to develop a critical deconstruction exercise and theoretical-methodological problematization of investigations in communication.

LO4 - Be aware of the multiplicity of methodological devices within the framework of research in communication sciences in order to make more informed decisions.

P0 - Presentation of the UC: objectives, bibliography, schedule and evaluation.
P1 - How to design research in communication sciences
P2 - Literature review
P3 - How to critically analyze research in communication sciences
P4 - Methodological strategies

Assessment throughout the semester is broken down into the following components:

1) Presentation in class (30%)
2) Final written work (70%) according to the statement provided by the teacher.

Helena Carvalho

Joana Azevedo

Module I (M II)
- To identify and critically evaluate a variety of research methods used by the researchers in the field of communication.
- To promote the development of practical skills that allow the students to collect, analyze and display research data.
Main competences to acquire:
- Mastering the main methodologies applied to communicational contexts.
- Ability to identify a research issue, decide upon the research objectives and select methods and techniques to carry out the research.
Module II
To provide advanced training in treating the results of a qualitative research in a qualitatively way, through the ability to use the Content Analysis software MAXqda(R) in academic and professional contexts.

Module I
1. Theories and general approaches to the research themes.
2. The primacy of theory. Construction of analytical models.
2.1 Qualitative, quantitative and mixed research models.
3. Logical and deductive methodologies.
4. Comprehensive methodologies.
4.1 Principles, characteristics, objectives and base concepts.
4.2 Models and modelling qualitative research.
4.3 Major qualitative techniques for collecting information. Interviews, biographic approaches, observation.
5. Selection of units of observation and sampling.
Module II
Research design
Content Analysis: theory and method
Computer-Aided Content Analysis:
- Introduction to MAXqda
- Codification in MAXqda
- Automatic codification in Maxdictio
- MAXqda outputs
- MAXqda visual tools
- Theme relevance analysis: Articulation between MAXqda and Excel
- Quantitative content analysis: Statistical analysis based on conceptual categories

Individual work with a minimum mark of 10 and corresponding to 100% of the assessment.

The work has the structure of a research project that reflects on and deepens the methodologies and techniques to be used in Communication Sciences.

The assessment of this course does not include a final written exam.

Tiago José Ferreira Lapa da Silva

The Learning Objectives (OA) are as follows:
OA1. Understand the historical development of Internet studies and its main theoretical references.
OA2. Critically analyze how the internet influences various aspects of society, including social interactions, culture, politics and economics.
OA3. Analyze current issues, such as digital inequalities, platformization and governance.
OA4. Assess the ethical and social implications of Internet technologies.

The OA are aligned with teaching methods. Classes provide an understanding of historical development and theoretical structures, reinforced through critical readings and seminars. Case studies and group discussions facilitate analysis of the impacts of the internet. Student presentations ensure familiarity with current and emerging issues. Ethical and social implications are integrated into the topics covered in the UC and in case studies.

CP1. Introduction to Internet Studies and its main theoretical frameworks
CP2. Beyond “Digital Dualisms”: Gender, the Body and intersectionality in the Digital Age
CP3. Digital inequalities: Divisions, access and Digital Participation
CP4. The impacts of digital networks on users’ daily and social lives
CP5. Platformization and the Political Economy of the Internet
CP6. Internet and epistemic, epistemological and communicational crises
CP7. Internet Networks, Governance and Policy
CP8. Power and Social Movements in the Digital Age

Assessment Structure:
Assessment will be carried out at two essential moments, designed to assess both students' understanding of key concepts and their ability to carry out original research.

Presentation of Text in Class (30% of Final Grade):

Description: Each student will choose a text related to one of the thematic areas of the course. They will present a critical review and analysis of the chosen text in class.

Objectives evaluated:
-Understand the historical development and theoretical foundations.
-Critically analyze social, cultural, political and economic impacts.
-Assess the ethical and social implications.

Evaluation criteria:
-Understanding and explanation of the main arguments and theories of the text.
-Critical analysis and ability to contextualize the text within the broader Internet studies literature.
-Clarity, coherence and depth of presentation.
-Engagement with the audience through questions and answers and discussions.

Final essay (70% of Final Grade):

Description: Students will write a critical and argued essay on a specific point in the UC program. This essay should demonstrate your ability to engage deeply with the course's content and provide a well-reasoned argument.
Objectives evaluated:
- Critical analysis of social, cultural, political and economic impacts.
- Identification of current and emerging issues.
- Assess the ethical and social implications.

Final essay evaluation criteria:
- Depth of analysis and argumentation.
- Integration of theoretical and empirical evidence.
- Clarity, coherence and organization of work.
- Originality and critical thinking demonstrated in argumentation.

Schedule and Deadlines:
Text Presentation:
Text selection and approval: By the end of Week 3.
Presentation dates: Scheduled over weeks 4 to 10, based on topic relevance.
Final essay:
Submission of proposal or essay outline: End of week 8.

This assessment structure ensures a balanced assessment of students' theoretical understanding, critical thinking and research skills, aligned with the learning objectives and course syllabus.

Jorge Domingos Carapinha Veríssimo

It is intended to frame the advertising as an element of the media system. It is also intended to reveal the advertising as a discourse that emphasizes the new, the ideal of youth, the ephemeral, the aesthetics of the products and the construction of imaginative universes.
Another purpose of this seminar will be to promote the reflection and discussion about which of the scenarios presented by White e Mazur (1995) will be the truly relevant one in order to highlight the Public Relations future both as a professional activity and as a theoretical subject.
It is intended, therefore, encourage critical thinking and the skills that enable all who wish to become researchers in the field of Strategic Communication, Public Relations and Communication in the Public Interest a high degree of knowledge and capacity for critical reflection on the fundamentals, problems and developments of this discipline, both in its theoretical assumptions and of their professional practice.

This course is organized in thematic units:
In the first it will be addressed the issues of advertising and communication strategy, the relevance of the communication objectives, the advertising discourse, the persuasion and appeals, and the psychological dimension of the consumption act.
In the second part we will work the notion of "communication" within the framework defined by the Public Relations:
a) the communication is not an addendum to our actions but a special kind of human action, an intentional human action,
b) what we say exceeds what we mean,
c) language is embedded in our human activities, in our life world.
The PR as a strategic function of integration and social development, enabling organizations to understand and adapt to their environment, promoting and encouraging the negotiation between different groups in order to achieve social and economic development.

Doctoral students will be assessed through an individual research.

Cláudia Álvares

1-To address communication through media,as a process of creation of meaning and social action.To consider the characteristics of media and media systems in their context(how they articulate social,cultural,economic and political agreements and interests).To recognize media performance and action through media as a vehicle of social mediation and as an opportunity enhancer that: is originated and tends to reproduce society?s power relations; enables influence relations, which depend on involvement and participation; promotes knowledge,sharing and relating to others,culture and entertainment, profitability,power,control and domination,and can be challenged and opposed to. 2-To endorse theoretical knowledge and the ability to analyse media performance as communication and mediation resources,applied to different aspects of social life. 3-To develop capabilities to research,select and apprehend approaches and themes, formulation and presentation of self reflection and questioning.

This curricular unit?s syllabus seeks theoretical and analytical comprehension of the issues related to the clarification of the social role that media play in contemporary times.
General theme
Communication, media and mediations in the era of digital networks.
Specific themes
Communication, media and mediation.
Media, mediation and symbolic power.
Information, knowledge, journalism and media.
Media, culture and entertainment.
Media, sociability and community.
Media, publics and audiences.
Media, consumption and identity.
Media, public opinion, politics and democracy.
Media, innovation and social change.

The evaluation will consider participation in presentations, debates and seminars, and also the classification obtained in the final paper: work developed under a theme selected by the doctoral student, in agreement with the teacher, and that is relevant to the curricular unit, between 3000 and 5000 words (around ten A4 pages).

The learning outcomes of the Internship are adapted to each internship and the institution where it is developed. These are:
LO1. To acquire technical skills linked to methods and techniques for action within different kinds of institutions related to the general objectives and learning outcomes of the master's degree;
LO2. To develop research and action-research skills within organizations related to the master's degree;
LO3. To prepare an internship report that reveals analytical reflection of the professional or academic context;
LO4. Develop indicators for recording and evaluating professional practice.

1. Topic and problem of the internship
2. Internship plan
3. Theoretical and methodological framework
4. Methodology of collaborative action research
5. Evaluation
6. Report

Individual report, which contains the following elements:
a) Characterization of the institutional context (history, organization, policies and services, activities, organizational structure and functioning);
b) Framing the internship institution;
c) Description of the activities developed (roles, responsibilities, agents, work processes, methodologies used)
d) Critical and theoretically based conclusions
e) References
The UC does not contemplate the modality of evaluation by Exam.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to, in the context of the field of communication sciences:
OA1. Identify, analyse and critically judge scientific problems and results;
LO2. Use and explain theories and concepts as well as research methods and skills;
LO3. Plan and carry out scientific research according to international quality standards;
LO4. Produce and present relevant and original research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and merits national and international dissemination in publications with scientific evaluation;
LO5. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise new and complex ideas relating to science and the social world in general and in the area of communication sciences in particular;
LO6. Communicate with peers, the scientific community and society in general and explain research results;
LO7. Apply principles and rules of research ethics.

The programme contents (CPs) will be adjusted each year to the research projects presented and carried out by the doctoral students, and will include:
a) a tutorial component, with specific topics for each student, provided by their supervisors;
b) a seminar component, with discussion of topics of common interest on research and analysis in communication sciences and based on the presentation of intermediate results of their research by the doctoral students and comments by the professors;
c) a conference component, debating research and analyses of a high scientific standard, carried out and in progress, presented by leading national and international researchers and academics;
d) a public presentation of the work at a Doctoral Colloquium in Communication Sciences.

Every year doctoral students submit research papers to the doctoral research seminar and a progress report (for the transition year) which is assessed by the Evaluation Panel appointed by the doctoral scientific committee. In the 3rd year they present a paper at the Doctoral Colloquium. Participation in the international cycle is monitored. The thesis is publicly discussed and assessed by a scientific jury (articles 31 and 32 of the ISCTE-IUL NRGD).

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Participation and intervention in seminars and conferences will be evaluated by the teacher, that will document this evaluation to finish the study cycle, and any negative evaluation will compromise the thesis? presentation.