Postgraduate Module Descriptor


SOCM013: Independent Study in Sociology and Philosophy

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

The aims of this module are:
To provide you with the opportunity to delve deeply into a particular area of interest, applying appropriate research methodologies and drawing on appropriate materials;
To develop the critical and analytical skills necessary to explore an area of sociology or philosophy that goes beyond topics in taught modules of existing Masters programmes;
To develop goal setting and time management skills in pursuing a personal programme of research;
To enhance writing skills in order to improve dissertation writing

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. critically analyse arguments by in key texts;
2. present sophisticated arguments concisely, and to explain difficult points; and an capacity to identify key aspects of a philosophical and theoretical debate.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources;
4. develop cogent argument;
5. communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing.
Personal and Key Skills6. undertake an individual research project in a structured, time-effective fashion;
7. locate and use literature effectively;
8. construct and evaluate ideas; to formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction;
9. assess and criticise the views of others; to write at the level required for ongoing and future research.