https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/L_AABAMKD118At the end of this course, students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following skills:Independently find suitable primary and secondary sources on a topic of study in archives, museums or other institutions both online and on site;Distinguish and compare a range of core humanities research methods (which may include discourse-analytical, ethnographic, narratological, materialist and other approaches), with special attention to methods used in the study of media, art, design, and architecture;Work in a team to collectively delineate a research topic and design a robust and methodologically justified research plan;Reflect on research methodology, explain the relationship between research method and research question, and articulate the applicability of a research method to a research problem;Present research orally in a clear, structured and accessible manner.Methods are the tools researchers use to conduct their work. Choosing and correctly applying an appropriate method is an essential step in scientific research. This course introduces students to key research methods in the study of visual and material culture, to archival research and to the conventions of presenting academic work. Building upon skills developed in previous courses, students will learn how to engage and compare multiple modes of academic inquiry, consider the importance of methodology in research design and estimate the influence of methods on research outcomes. This course consists of an incremental series of analytical and practical assignments, leading up to the creation and presentation of a methodologically grounded research proposal.Lectures and seminars.Assessment takes place on the basis of individual components and group components. Individual components consist of an academic summary (pass/fail, learning objectives 1–2) and a peer assessment (30%, learning objective 3). Group components consist of an oral presentation (pass/fail, learning objective 4–5) and a research proposal (70% of the grade, learning objectives 1–5). Endterms BA MKDA: 5, 6, 8, 9Stokes, Jane. How to Do Media and Cultural Studies. 3rd edition. Los Angeles: SAGE, 2021.1st year bachelor's students in Media, Art, Design and ArchitectureFor attendance rules, see Teaching and Examination Regulations. Students should be aware that regular attendance is necessary to pass the course.Attending and completing Academic Skills (period 2) is advised.