GSSA 2110 - Social Research: Working Skills for Social Sci
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code GSSA 2110 Course Social Research: Working Skills for Social Sci Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Prerequisites 12 units of Level I study Incompatible GWSI 2015, GWSI 3015, GWSI 2110 Assessment 2000 word discourse and content analysis (40%), 1000 word research exercise (30%), group activities (including workshop attendance, participation and on-line tasks) 1000 words (30%) Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Dee Michell
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Understand the purpose of social research and its potential to investigate contemporary
social issues through both quantitative and qualitative approaches.2 Identify the range of methods, techniques and skills used in contemporary social research and their capacity to solve specific social problems. 3 Demonstrate skills in social science methods including the ethical and practical aspects of researching social problems, critical reading, reflection and analytical
writing.4 Work with others in the exploration of ideas and to collectively develop arguments and negotiate solutions to problems. 5 Undertake a research project including formulating a research problem and its key questions, investigating the problem and analysing the results. 6 Present research findings in a coherently argued written report and engage in critical debate. University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4, 5, 6 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1, 2, 3 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Walter, M (2010) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Recommended Resources
Gray, D. (2009) Doing research in the real world. London: Sage.
Crotty, M. (1998) The foundations of social research. Meaning and perspective in the research process. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
Ezzy, D. (2002) Qualitative analysis: Practice and innovation. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
Neuman, W. (2006) Social research methods. Boston: Pearson International.Online Learning
Lectures, handouts, links to further readings, websites and updates will be posted to the MyUNi course site available via the MyUni link. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Students will be required to attend a 1 hour lecture and a 2 hour hands-on workshop.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
1 x 1 lecture per week (x 12) 12 hours 1 x 3 reading per week (x 12) 36 hours 1 x 2 workshop per week (x 12) 24 hours 1 x 4.5 hours assignment preparation each week on average (x 12) 54 hours Total 126 hours Learning Activities Summary
1 Introduction to the course 2 Definitions and beginnings 3 Participant observation 4 Analysing texts 5 Surveys/questionnaires 6 Analysing quantitative data 7 Why's and wherefore's of doing interviews 8 Innovative methods with children 9 Focus groups 10 Analysing qualitative data 11 Using social theory: the 'so what' question 12 Research translation Specific Course Requirements
Not applicableSmall Group Discovery Experience
Weekly workshops provide opportunities to put new knowledge and skills into practice in fun and meaningful ways. Activities in workshops are group based. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment task Research exercise 1000 words 30% Discourse and content analysis 2000 words 40% Group activities (including workshop attendance, participation and on-line tasks) 30% Assessment Related Requirements
Students are required to complete all assessment tasks to be eligible to pass this course.Assessment Detail
Workshops: Participation in workshops is a key feature of this course as they provide opprotunities to explore ideas, theories and examples in the readings and lectures.
Assignment 1: This is a research exercise to put into practice a research skill that you have learnt in the first few weeks of the course. This includes an activity on campus, where you conduct a participant observation exercise, and write this up as a short report.
Assignment 2: In this assignment you can choose an issue or controversy and explore the way it is represented in the media over a period of time. This is an independent learning project, where you will be supported to conduct your own textual analysis.Submission
Your written assignments for this course will be submitted online via the relevant MyUni course site.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
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- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
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- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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