Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
SP30057: Sociology dissertation 1 |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| DS 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| After taking this unit you must take SP30058 This unit is not available to visiting/exchange students. |
| Description:
| Aims: The aims of the unit are: a) To develop the student's knowledge and understanding of sociology, as set out in the learning outcomes listed below; b) To develop the general critical and analytical powers of the student; c) To develop research skills, with particular reference to those skills relating to investigation and analysis. Students will design and carry out either a fieldwork based piece of research or a library-based piece of research on a sociology topic of their choosing. The dissertation will be carried out under supervision. Further details are provided in the Dissertation Handbook. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit the students should be able to: * conceptualise and design a 10,000 word piece of research on a sociological topic of the students' choosing; * conduct a thorough literature review in the area of research chosen; * display critical and broad knowledge of research on the chosen topic; * identify clear research aims for their dissertation. Skills: Intellectual skills: Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of: * the fundamental concepts of sociology relevant to the student becoming an effective practitioner; * the fundamental concepts and theoretical basis of sociology; * the main sources of data about social issues and a critical approach to their use; * methodological principles and research design. Transferable/Key skills: to develop: * To develop critical and analytical powers in general; * To develop research skills with particular reference to those skills relating to investigation and analysis. * To think creatively and analytically; * To communicate an argument; * To evaluate others' arguments and research; * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.); * To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge; * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding; * To utilise problem solving skills; * To reflect upon new technology and innovation within social sciences and to make decisions regarding legitimacy, reliability and effectiveness; * Study & Learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing); * Basic Information and Computing Technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information); * Inter-personal and communication skills; * Essay research, preparation and writing skills. * To construct a bibliography of varying complexity Content: Students will choose a specific research topic and design a research project. Students will undertake either a library-based piece of research or fieldwork research on their chosen topic. This will provide the basis for their dissertation. |