Postgraduate Module Descriptor

SOCM013: Independent Study in Sociology and Philosophy

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 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. These will depend upon the subject studied, as students are encouraged to devise their own research project, the terms of which must be approved by an established member of staff.
2. However, subject-specific skills will include: an ability to critically analyse arguments by reading and discussing key texts;
3. an ability to present sophisticated arguments concisely, and to explain difficult points; and an ability to identify key aspects of a philosophical and theoretical debate.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. An ability to assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources;
5. an ability to develop cogent argument;
6. an ability to communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing.
Personal and Key Skills7. An ability to undertake an individual research project in a structured, time-effective fashion;
8. the ability to locate and use literature effectively;
9. abilities to construct and evaluate ideas; to formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction;
10. to assess and criticise the views of others; to write at the level required for ongoing and future research.