Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
SP30009 Social policy dissertation 2 |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: DS100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take SP30008 |
|
Aims:
The aims of the unit are to:
i. Complete fieldwork research undertaken in Semester 1.
ii. Analyse fieldwork data.
iii. Prepare a research dissertation on the student's chosen topic.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit the students should be able to: Conceptualise, design, conduct and write a 10,000 word piece of original research on a topic of the students' chosing 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; Knowledge of the historical and contemporary perspective 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 skillsEssay research, preparation and writing skills; To construct a bibliography of varying complexity. Content: Students will complete their fieldwork research (started in Semester 1) and analyse data collected. Students will write up their research projects in the form of a 10,000 word dissertation. |