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SP30102: Applied social studies dissertation preparation

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 1
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: DS 100%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites: While taking this unit you must take SP30103. Only available to students on the BSc ASS programme.
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to study and discuss one topic of relevance to the fields covered by applied social studies. The aim of the dissertation is to equip students to research, organise and produce an extended piece of work in a relevant area.The objectives of the unit are that students should be able to define a topic or research question, systematically search the literature, develop a project plan for completing the dissertation, and show that they organise the intellectual content of a longer study.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit the students should be able to:
* Define a topic or research question, systematically search the literature, develop a project plan for completing the dissertation, and show that they organise the intellectual content of a longer study.

Skills:
Intellectual skills:
* Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of sociology relevant to the student becoming an effective practitioner;
* Knowledge of the theoretical basis of sociological perspectives;
* Knowledge of theories of welfare state development;
* Knowledge of the main sources of data about social welfare and a critical approach to their use;
* Knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theoretical basis of sociology;
* Understanding of how to apply knowledge and concepts from across various social sciences disciplines;
* Knowledge of the main sources of data about social issues and a critical approach to their use;
* Knowledge of issues of human needs and social welfare - poverty, inequality, exclusion, diversity and differences;
* Knowledge of the historical and contemporary perspective of sociology;
* Knowledge of key theories and developments in at least two of sociology, social policy, politics, economics, psychology.
Transferable/Key skills:
* 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:
Definition of a topic or research question. Systematic search and preliminary review of the literature. Development of a strategy or project plan for completing the dissertation. Production of a summary and chapter outline of the dissertation.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

SP30102 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB14 : BSc (hons) Applied Social Studies (Full-time) - Year 3

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.