SOCI 3017 - Sociological Research Project

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2021

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

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Course Details

Course Code	SOCI 3017
Course	Sociological Research Project
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	SOCI 2012, SOCI 3016, SOCI 3014
Incompatible	GWSI 3017, GSSA 3017, GSSA 3018
Assumed Knowledge	Broad understanding of Social Research Methods
Restrictions	Available to BSOC students only
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 Nathan Manning

Course Timetable

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

Course Learning Outcomes

1. 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
2. Develop an appropriate sociological research question in a timely and efficient manner.
3. Design an independent sociological research project including an ethics application, and appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.
4. Locate, analyse and synthesise academic literature into a literature review
5. Analyse sociological 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, 5
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, 5
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	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
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, 5
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 & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

No information currently available.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

WORKLOAD – STRUCTURED LEARNING TOTAL HOURS
1 x 1 hour lectures per week 10 hours per semester
1x2 hour seminars per week 20 hours per semester

TOTAL = 30

WORKLOAD – SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING TOTAL HOURS
7.5 hours reading per week 90 hours per semester
8 hours research per week 96 hours per semester
8 hours assignment preparation per week 96 hours per semester

TOTAL = 312

Learning Activities Summary

WEEKLY LECTURE TOPICS
1 The sociological research process
2 Developing research questions
3 Exploring research designs in Sociology
4 Research by reading
5 Research by looking
6 Research by asking and listening
7 Planning your research project
8 Ethical considerations in Sociology
9 Writing your application and supporting documentation
10 Drafting your project budget

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

There are three pieces of assessment in SOCI 3017:
Concept proposal 2000 words (25%)
Research Proposal Application 4000 words (50%)
Exam (25%)

Assessment Detail

There are three pieces of assessment in SOCI 3017:
Concept proposal 2000 words (25%)
Research Proposal Application 4000 words (50%)
Exam (25%)

Submission

Most assignments will be completed/submitted electronicaly through MyUni. For essays, this also provides students with a chance to utilise Turnitin in helping them develop their referencing and writing skills. The group presentations will be undertaken in weekly seminars.

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.

This is a new course for 2020 so no student feedback is yet available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator