Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
SP50153 Dissertation planning |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 75%, PR 25% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims:
* To develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the basic principles of research strategy. * To reflect critically on the appropriateness, strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches to research. * To support students in identifying their own original research questions. Learning Outcomes: Students will: * Have a comprehensive understanding of the methods of preparing, organising and writing up a dissertation for a Masters programme. * Be able to reflect critically on the suitability of diverse approaches for investigating and analysing problems. * Have demonstrated the ability to write a research proposal. Skills: * Develop the skills needed for advanced academic study and enquiry * Evaluate research and evidence critically to appropriate postgraduate standards using a variety of academic and non-academic sources * Synthesise information from a variety of academic perspectives and non-academic sources for a relevant understanding of theoretical and practical approaches * Develop skills to reflect critically on the suitability of diverse approaches for investigating and analysing problems. * Plan, execute and evaluate the investigation and presentation of study and research projects * Reflect critically on the appropriateness, strengths and weaknesses of social science theories, perspectives and policy making * Advise others and work effectively in teams * Evaluate critically intellectual and professional performance of self and others * Develop ability to formulate a research question and to communicate this effectively through written and oral media. Content: This course will prepare the groundwork for students' dissertations. Through a series of lectures and discussions students will learn how to review relevant literature, formulate research questions and outline a programme and method of investigation for a selected topic. |