UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
1. The title of the module
Methods of Social Research (SA310)
(formerly SA310 Introduction to Social Sciences: Methods and Analysis)
2. The School which will be responsible for management of the module
SSPSSR
3. The Start Date of the Module
Continuing – revised module specification April 2009
4. The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable.
September 2009 onwards
5. The number of students expected to take the module
40-50
6. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None: revision of title of SA310 Introduction to Social Sciences: Methods and Analysis. The title of the module is to be revised in order to better reflect the content of the module, namely that it introduces social research methods, the analysis of data and foundational study skills.
7. The level of the module
C (FHEQ Level: 4)
8. The number of credits which the module represents
30 credits
9. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring
10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
N/A
11. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BSc in Social Sciences (UKM) – compulsory module
12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
12.1. Knowledge of and the ability to critically assess research methods in modern social sciences.
12.2 Knowledge of and the ability to describe and evaluate the debates surrounding key issues in social sciences.
12.3 Explore key study skills in writing and online resources.
12.4 Use and assess key data sources and descriptive statistical research
These subject-specific outcomes map to the programme learning outcomes as follows:
PLO 12.A.1. Knowledge and understanding of the key issues and debates in the social sciences within the disciplines the students choose (12.1, 12.2)
PLO12.A.2. Knowledge of the key concepts of the social sciences (12.1, 12.2)
PLO12.A.3. Knowledge of the methodology of the social sciences and how to critically evaluate research into issues and problems in the social sciences (12.1, 12.2)
PLO12.A.4. Knowledge of how to conduct research into a problem in social science (12.1, 12.2, 12.4)
PLO12.A.5. An understanding of the key concepts and theories used to analyse society (12.1)
PLO12.A.6. Knowledge of the main sources of data used in social sciences and a critical understanding of how data is collected and analysed (12.4)
PLO12.A.7. Understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to social science issues (12.1, 12.2)
PLO.12.C.16. Identify and use relevant concepts and theories to analyse issues in the social sciences (12.1. 12.2)
PLO.12.C.17.Find and use statistical data relevant to the social sciences (12.4)
PLO.12.C.19.Distinguish between positive, normative, moral and political issues and questions (12.1, 12.2)
PLO.12.D.20.Communicate effectively, showing the ability to develop and strong line of argument to others in written and verbal form (12.3)
PLO.12.D.21 Plan ahead and manage time to meet deadlines (12.3)
PLO.12.D.24. Analyse questions and write reports and essays setting out options and alternatives (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4)
PLO.12.D.25. Reference material in accordance with accepted conventions (12.3)
PLO.12.D.26. Use Internet and Library resources to study independently (12.3)
PLO.12.D.27. Make clear and effective presentations to colleagues and staff (12.3)
PLO.12.D.28. Have a critical and reflective approach to study and work (12.1, 12.2)
PLO.12.D.29. Compare and contrast the strength and weaknesses in the arguments and opinions of others (12.1, 12.2, 12.4)
13. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
13.1 Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a group
13.2 Communication responding to written sources
13.3 Identify and gather appropriate library and web-based resources
13.4 Ability to analyse and understand numerical data
13.5 Show an understanding of different schools of thought and the ability to distinguish them
PLO.12.B.8. Problem solving skills and the ability to provide strategies to social science problems (13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5)
PLO.12.B.9. Research skills, including the ability to analyse problems and issues (13.3, 13.4)
PLO.12.B.10. The ability to collect and interpret data (13.2, 13.3, 13.4)
PLO.12.B.11. Sensitivity to the needs and values of others (13.1)
PLO.12.B.12. Critical and evaluative skills (13.5)
PLO.12.B.14. Ability to argue logically and spot flaws in arguments in written documents and the spoken word (13.5)
PLO.12.B.15. Ability to use the Internet to research issues in the social sciences (13.3)
PLO.12.C.16. Identify and use relevant concepts and theories to analyse issues in the social sciences (13.5)
PLO.12.C.17. Find and use statistical data relevant to the social sciences (13.4)
PLO.12.C.19. Distinguish between positive, normative, moral and political issues and questions (13.5)
PLO.12.D.22. Work as a member of a team to produce work of the required standard (13.1)
PLO.12.D.23. Listen to others and understand their point of view (13.1)
PLO.12.D.24. Analyse questions and write reports and essays setting out options and alternatives (13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5)
PLO.12.D.25. Reference material in accordance with accepted conventions (13.2, 13.3)
PLO.12.D.26. Use Internet and Library resources to study independently (13.3)
PLO.12.D.27. Make clear and effective presentations to colleagues and staff (13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5)
PLO.12.D.28. Have a critical and reflective approach to study and work (13.5)
PLO.12.D.29. Compare and contrast the strength and weaknesses in the arguments and opinions of others (13.5)
14. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module introduces debates about the nature of social research methods principally in sociology, social history and psychology, with reference to social policy, politics and other social sciences. It will introduce students to social research from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will develop key study and research skills for research methods module in Stage 2 and dissertation in Stage 3.
Topics to be covered include: the history and politics of the social sciences; interdisciplinarity; what is reality/knowledge?; emotions and reason; positive, normative, moral and political thinking; critical thinking and reading; research skills; essay writing and presentation skills; use of documentary/archival and visual sources; application of statistics
15. Indicative Reading List
Banyard, P. & A. Grayson, Introducing Psychological Research: seventy studies that shape
psychology. (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2000)
Butler, L.J. and A. Gorst (eds), Modern British History: A Guide to Study and Research (1997)
Cotrell, S. The Study Skills Handbook (3rd ed. 2008)
Delanty. G. and P. Strydom (eds), Philosophies of Social Science: The Classic and Contemporary
Readings, (Open University Press, 2003)
Sayer, A. Method in Social Science: A Realist Approach (Routledge, 1984)
Sayer, A. Realism and Social Science, (Sage, 2000)
Smith, M. Social Science in Question, (Sage Publications, 1998)
Williams, M. and T. May, Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Research, (Routledge, 1996)
16. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes
There will be 44 hours of direct contact time, i.e. 22 hours of lectures; 22 hours of seminars (1 hour lecture followed by 1 hour seminar). Students use WebCT for completing their learning journals, unless alternate arrangements have been made with the course convenor for this – accounting for half an hour each week. It is expected that students will spend at least 11 hours per week on private study, including completing the learning journal. Total hours for the module: 300 (please refer to section 17 for how these relate to the achievement of the intended learning outcomes)
17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
The module is assessed through an essay of 2,500-3,000 words (30%), a descriptive statistics exercise (30%), a book review of 2,000 words (30%) and a learning journal (10%)
The learning and teaching and assessment methods correspond to the subject-specific and generic learning outcomes as below:
Lecture / 12.1. Knowledge of and the ability to critically assess research methods in modern social sciences.12.2 Knowledge of and the ability to describe and evaluate the debates surrounding key issues in social sciences.
12.3 Explore key study skills in writing and online resources.
12.4 Use and assess key data sources and descriptive statistical in research
13.4 Acquire the ability to analyse and understand numerical data
13.5 Show an understanding of different schools of thought and the ability to distinguish them
Seminar / 12.1. Knowledge of and the ability to critically assess research methods in modern social sciences.
12.2 Knowledge of and the ability to describe and evaluate the debates surrounding key issues in social sciences.
12.3 Explore key study skills in writing and online resources.
12.4 Use and assess key data sources and descriptive statistical in research
13.1 Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a group
13.4 Acquire the ability to analyse and understand numerical data
13.5 Show an understanding of different schools of thought and the ability to distinguish them
Essay / 12.1. Knowledge of and the ability to critically assess research methods in modern social sciences.
12.2 Knowledge of and the ability to describe and evaluate the debates surrounding key issues in social sciences.
12.3 Explore key study skills in writing and online resources.
13.2 Communication responding to written sources
13.3 Identify and gather appropriate library and web-based resources
13.5 Show an understanding of different schools of thought and the ability to distinguish them
Descriptive statistics / 12.4 Use and assess key data sources and descriptive statistical in research
13.4 Acquire the ability to analyse and understand numerical data
Book review / 12.1. Knowledge of and the ability to critically assess research methods in modern social sciences.
12.2 Knowledge of and the ability to describe and evaluate the debates surrounding key issues in social sciences.
12.3 Explore key study skills in writing and online resources.
13.1 Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a group
13.2 Communication responding to written sources
13.3 Identify and gather appropriate library and web-based resources
13.5 Show an understanding of different schools of thought and the ability to distinguish them
Learning journal / 12.1. Knowledge of and the ability to critically assess research methods in modern social sciences.
12.2 Knowledge of and the ability to describe and evaluate the debates surrounding key issues in social sciences.
12.3 Explore key study skills in writing and online resources.
13.3 Identify and gather appropriate library and web-based resources
VLE/Moodle / 12.3 Explore key study skills in writing and online resources.
13.3 Identify and gather appropriate library and web-based resources
18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
The module is currently convened by Dr Kate Bradley at the Medway campus, and is team-taught by the BSc in Social Sciences team, SLAS and the Drill Hall Library.
As the module has been taught for a number of years, library resources are in place and regularly reviewed/updated by the module convenor in association with the Drill Hall Library. The university VLE – formerly WebCT, now Moodle – is also made use of. There are no issues regarding space.
19. A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
......Director of Learning and Teaching
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Print Name / ......
Date
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
......Head of School
…………………………………………………….
Print Name / ......
Date
1