Page 120 - SYU Prospectus

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2021-22

JOUR 311 Communication Research Methods
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to introduce the basic ideas of conducting mass communication
research. There are two themes emphasized in the course: (1) skills in research evaluation
and (2) techniques of conducting research. Course contents cover the following areas: the
principles of research, approaches of research design, methods of data collection, various
ways of analysis, interpretation of research data and major concerns of research ethics. Upon
completion of the course, students will be able to define the principles of performing empirical
research for communication studies; distinguish between major research approaches and
different qualitative as well as quantitative methods of data analysis and their applications in
communications studies; judge the validity and reliability of research data; design a research
and write a well-organized report; and apply research skills in journalistic and PR work.

JOUR 312 Public Opinion Polls
1 Term; 3 Credits
Despite many criticisms towards credibility, possible misuses of findings, and easiness of
misinterpretation of data, it is undeniable that public opinion polls influence our social life. They
not only gauge the perceptions and emotions of the public, but also serve as yardsticks which
possibly direct public policies under some circumstances. This course aims at cultivating
students with in-depth knowledge of issues and phenomenon relevant to public opinion polling
through seminars of small class size which rely much on students’ contributions after reading
literature and maximizing their level of participation and interactions. The topics covered
include theory of public opinion, methodology of opinion polling, opinion expression, roles of
polls in elections and policy-making, uses and interpretation of poll data, influences of polls to
citizens and relationship between democracy and polling. Upon the completion of the course,
students are expected to be able to evaluate the usefulness of polls, and be critical towards
opinion polling.

JOUR 320 News Translation
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to provide an introduction to the theories and techniques of news
translation. Students will be exposed to local and international news of the print and electronic
media and to a wide range of news subjects (government and politics, finance, crime and
punishment, health and disasters, etc). To be competent in translation, students will be made
aware of the constant changing nature of language, and the specific expressions in news as
well as the cultural and political contexts in which news writing is produced. Upon completion
of the course, students will be able to describe the steps and skills involved in news translation;
define the criteria of good news translation; produce translated work relating to various news
genres and subjects from Chinese into English and vice-versa, demonstrating ability and
confidence in sorting out linguistic/grammatical problems in news translation, as well as those
arising from different political, social and cultural settings of the source-text.

p. 116