SOCI 3010 - Social Research Advanced: Real World Practice

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2019

The aim of Social Research Advanced level is to apply students' knowledge and understanding of research - how and why it is done and to expose students to different theoretical perspectives and methodologies employed by researchers in conducting social research. Students will undertake an independent research project from design (formulate a research question, the methods used to obtain data, fieldwork, the interpretation of data collected and the writing up of research findings). Students will also be taught about ethical considerations in social research and how the research findings inform social change.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code SOCI 3010
    Course Social Research Advanced: Real World Practice
    Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 6 units of Level II undergraduate study
    Incompatible GWSI 3017, GSSA 3017, GSSA 3018
    Assumed Knowledge Broad understanding of Social Research Methods
    Assessment Oral presentation 10%, Literature review (1,500 words) 25%, Ethics application (750 words) 20%, Final research paper (3,500 words) 45%
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Djordje Stefanovic

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    Describe the purpose of a Literature Review and recognise the need for and components of an Ethics Application as required in any Social Research project.

    Locate, analyse and synthesise academic literature into a Literature Review, and develop a research question in a timely and effective manner.

    Develop a research question and design an independent research project including an Ethics Application, survey and interview instruments.

    Recruit research participants using online survey generators and social media.

    Conduct face to face research interviews according to social, cultural and ethical protocols and with professional integrity.

    Analyse quantitative and qualitative data and communicate the findings through a research report and oral presentation.

    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2,3,4,6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4,5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1,2,3,4,5,6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    2,3,4,5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Social Research Methods, edited by Maggie Walter, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, Second Edition 2010 or Third Edition 2013. The book is available from the Co-Op and there are three copies in the Barr Smith Library.
    Online Learning
    Additional course-related material is available through MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    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 Access Adelaide.

  • 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.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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