Module SOC2004 for 2018/9
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SOC2004: Into the Field
This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.
Module Aims
“Research methods” is a general term that alludes to practices of collecting data. A key benefit that research methods offer practitioners of social science is the opportunity to ground intellectual concerns (and often rather abstract ideas) about the social world in data collection and diverse forms of observation of the actualities of concrete social and cultural realities. This module prepares you for going 'into the field' by providing you with a range of skills needed to conceive of, design, justify, execute and report on original and independent social science research.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate awareness of the various stages of the research process; 2. Think critically about different techniques of data collection and analysis; 3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of various research methods; 4. Demonstrate analytical understanding of the relevance and appropriateness to different research problems |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 5. Write effective research proposals; 6. Evaluate research proposals; |
Personal and Key Skills | 7. Develop a thought-out plan of action for future research; 8. Think about social life in new ways; 9. Communicate effectively in written and verbal form. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
Surveying existing research and finding your niche
Formulating research questions / honing your argument
Research design
Methods of data collection
Ethics
Generating, handling and analyzing data
The art of writing research proposals
Identifying ‘good’ research
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
---|---|---|
24 | 126 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 16.5 | 11 X 1.5 hour lectures |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 7.5 | 5 X 1 hour workshops |
Guided Independent study | 30 | Course readings |
Guided Independent study | 30 | Preparing for and writing a research proposal |
Guided Independent study | 66 | Preparation for assignments, library, research etc. |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).