Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
SP50147 Research issues in death and dying |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims:
* To provide a systematic understanding of a range of research methods appropriate to the study of death, dying and bereavement. * To enable students to recognise and evaluate the specific contributions and limitations of various methodological approaches * To enable students to apply research perspectives to their own practice and/or discipline. * To enable students to be aware of and to reflect critically on some of the sensitivities of researching in this field. Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to * Critically evaluate the contributions and limitations of a range of approaches to research into death, dying and loss. * Apply appropriate criteria and theoretical concepts to an evaluation of research studies in death, dying and loss. Skills: * Develop skills to critically reflect on the suitability of diverse approaches for investigating and analysing research problems. * Systematically synthesise information from a variety of research perspectives for a relevant understanding of theoretical and practical approaches. * Identify and access relevant information sources. * Communicate complex issues and perspectives effectively. * Develop skills of time management, workload prioritisation and related planning skills. * Develop good writing and presentation skills. Content: This unit will comprise lectures, seminars and research presentations from staff and external researchers that demonstrate a range of research approaches to the study of mortality. These will include: Surveys Ethnography Interview-based studies Observational studies Organisational studies Using secondary data Content analysis Using online sources as data Ethical implications will be prioritised throughout. |