- UCAS course code
- S456
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Engaging With Social Research
Unit code | SOCS10111 |
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Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 1 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Disciplined enquiry: the range of approaches to researching a social problem (in particular social inequality) in the social sciences.
Pre/co-requisites
THIS COURSE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO BA (Hons) SOCIAL SCIENCES STUDENTS.
Aims
- to introduce students to a variety of different kinds of social science research
- to equip students with the skills to summarise and critically evaluate empirical social research
- to develop students' skills to use the resources of the library to identify research literature relevant to a particular topic
- to examine the research process, from problem formulation to disseminating results
- to gain a comparative understanding of different disciplinary approaches to a particular social problem
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit, successful students will be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Student are expected to:
- gain a greater awareness of the range of social science approaches, including their strengths and limitations
- identify some of the multiple ways that social scientists construct theoretical arguments
- understand how social science research is both used and misused
- gain knowledge on the various theoretical and methodological approaches social scientists have in relation to the specific theme of 'social inequality'.
PRACTICAL SKILLS
Students are expected to:
- construct a bibliography
- reference written work appropriately
- use library resources effectively
- construct an argument in written form
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES
Students are expected to:
- communicate effectively both in writing and orally when summarising arguments
- differentiate between strong and weak arguments
- work effectively in small groups in tutorials
- learn to read critically
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures - including Study Skills classes - and tutorials.
Assessment methods
- 2 x 400 Word tasks (25%);
- 1 x 1,500 word final essay (75%);
Feedback methods
You will receive informal verbal feedback continuously throughout the course from your tutor within tutorials. Students are also invited to make office hour appointments with their lecturers to receive feedback and discuss their progress.
Recommended reading
Bryman, Alan (2008) (3rd edition) Social Research Methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gilbert, Nigel, ed. (2008) Researching Social Life, (3rd edition), London: Sage
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 22 |
Tutorials | 10 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 166 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Valentina Zagaria | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Information
Length of Course: 11 weeks