Aims:
Application of sociological principles and methodology to piece of empirical research.
Dissertation modules 1 & 2 are linked units. These will be jointly assessed at the end of the
year by a final mark based on the assessment of the completed dissertation of not more than
10,000 words. By the end of Semester 1 students will be required to submit a progress report
and synopsis in order to progress to Dissertation 2. All students will also be required to
make a presentation of their work to the workshops.
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' choosing.
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:
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.
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