Zoek
English
  Studiegidsen 2008-2009
Radboud UniversiteitStudiegidsenFaculteit der Letteren > Researchmaster Language and Communication

Recent Developments in Document Design theory 


(Vakcode)
Course ID
880464
(Studiepunten)
Credits
5
(Periode)
Scheduled
tweede semester
(Niveau)
Level
master
Contents (Inhoud van de cursus)

In document design research, it is investigated how the interaction between document and reader characteristics determines the functionality of a document. In this course, special attention will be paid to the roles played by (1) multimodal characteristics of a document and (2) cultural differences between readers of the document. The number of empirical studies on these issues is increasing rapidly.
Recent empirical studies on these issues that have been published in academic journals will be critically discussed. As a point of departure for these discussions, students will be asked to write reviews (in the format of reviews written by referees of academic journals) of these studies in which they point out the strengths and weaknesses of each study. As a result, the students will become sensitive to the specific problems of conducting studies in which multimodal or cultural factors come into play. In the second part of the course, students will be required to develop a research proposal for conducting a study in which multimodal or cultural factors play a role. They will present and defend this proposal during a presentation for their fellow students. The latter will critically evaluate these proposals using the analytical insights acquired during the first part of the course.

Objectives (Leerdoelen)

The leading question in this course is how the interaction between document and reader characteristics determines the functionality of a document. Special attention will be paid to the roles played by 1) multimodal characteristics of a document and 2) cultural differences between readers of the document. Recent empirical studies on these issues will be critically discussed.

The course has the following aims:

  • Students will acquire knowledge of recent empirical research on document design
  • Students will acquire the analytical skills needed to evaluate research and research proposals
  • Students will acquire skills in developing and defending research proposals
Teaching method (Onderwijsvorm)
In the first part, class discussions based on the reviews of empirical studies will be held. In the second part, students will present and defend research proposals while the other students form an evaluation committee of these proposals.
Examination (Toetsvorm)

The examination will consist of a portfolio containing the reviews of the empirical studies discussed in the first part of the course, the first version of the research proposal, and a final version of the research proposal in which the comments made by the other students are taken into account (or reasons why these comments are not correct or relevant are given).

Literature (Literatuur)
Recent articles
Information (Inlichtingen)