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SP10059: The principles and uses of social science

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: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 1
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 30%, ES 70%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: SP10059 Coursework - Supplementary only (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites:
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
The aims of this unit are to introduce students to:
1. the major methodological traditions in sociological research
2. the main principles of research design
3. some of the main uses of social science knowledge
4. key study and learning skills required in social science
5. key computing skills.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit the students should be able to:
* match appropriate research methods to an object or area of sociological investigation
* critically evaluate published research studies
* understand the relationship between social science arguments and evidence
* reflect on and develop their learning skills
* use basic Information and Computing Technology (ICT) skills to the standard required by the European Computer Driving Licence.

Skills:
Research skills
* to think creatively and analytically
* to evaluate others' arguments and research
* to critically evaluate and assess research and evidence from a number of different sources
* 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 design questionnaires and survey samples
Study Skills
* Note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing
* Basic information and computer technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information)
* Essay research, preparation and writing skills
* Revision and examination skills
* Time-management and administrative skills
* To learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs.

Content:

* Reading and reviewing
* Library search (including online searches)
* Writing and avoiding plagiarism
* Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods
* Ethics and social research
* The uses of social science knowledge
* Knowledge of applied research
* Media sources and social science
* ECDL skills (workshops)
* Using university information systems.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

SP10059 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB15 : BSc (hons) Social Work and Applied Social Studies (Full-time) - Year 1

SP10059 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB14 : BSc (hons) Applied Social Studies (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1

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.