Community Studies 2105: An Experiential Approach toCommunity-Based Research

Instructor:Leigh Potvin E-mail:

phone #: 902-563-1445 Office hours: by appointmentTemp. Office #:B-268-F

COURSE OBJECTIVES FOR COMMUNITY STUDIES 2105

Group Work

- deepen level of understanding of group dynamics and enhance the skills for effectively acting in a group, including:

  • achievement of higher level of group analysis
  • development of greater responsibility for directing group activities
  • development of the ability to analyse and articulate relationships that might be established between the group and communities

Research

- develop primary research competence and enhance secondary research skills, including:

  • learning to access and select from a wide array of sources
  • developing an understanding of a range of research methods and their strengths and limitations
  • developing an appreciation of the ethical issues associated with primary research
  • recognizing biases
  • developing ability to contextualize research

Analytical Skills

- enhance analytical skills with particular attention to:

  • connecting theory to primary research
  • analysing data
  • developing new interpretations
  • making reasoned choices concerning the use of various theories and methodologies
  • identifying premises and tactics of argumentation

Writing Skills

- strengthen collaborative writing skills and editing as well as build individual writing skills with a focus on:

  • using precise and appropriate vocabulary
  • constructing persuasive arguments
  • being attentive to voice
  • effectively integrating research material into essays

Communication Skills

- develop oral communication skills, with particular attention to:

  • interpersonal communication skills
  • formal presentation skills
  • enhancing students’ ability to effectively interact with communities outside the university

GUIDELINES FOR COMS 2105 RESEARCH PROJECT

It is important to remember that the research project is the vehicle for learning the skills outlined in the “Objectives of COMS 2105.” The following are some basic guidelines to help you achieve your learning goals for this term. This is not intended, however, as a complete check list.

  • Topic selection is up to individual groups. As this is a sustained piece of work, you should select an issue that is meaningful and interesting to you. Find something that will allow all group members to feel attached to the project. Also remember that the project needs to be appropriate for primary research.
  • When selecting a topic be aware of the resources available. Can the topic be adequately researched with the materials accessible at CBU and in the community? Does your topic make good use of the opportunities for primary research in Cape Breton? Do group members have, or can they acquire in the short term, the skills and abilities necessary to complete this project?
  • Can the topic be approached from multiple perspectives? Will it allow you to discuss different points of view and positions?
  • Is the project of suitable scope, given the number of people in your group and the time available for your research and for developing the skills necessary to do the project? Have you taken on too much--is it too big, general or complex to complete in the available time? Have you taken on enough? Remember there are three hours of class time per week. For every hour of class time students are expected to put in two hours outside of class. Multiply this by the number of students in your group and it will give you some indication of the scope of projects expected.
  • How is this project going to provide opportunity to develop the learning objectives of COMS 2105? Will it allow for full group participation, provide sufficient analytical opportunity, and offer adequate research potential? Do not forget that the standard of project and group analysis, research ability and communication skills are higher in the second year.
  • Does the topic selected provide opportunity for students to explore more than one research method? Have you taken into consideration issues such as ethics, contexts, and cultural sensitivity?

COMMUNITY STUDIES 2105

WEEK / DATE / ACTIVITY
1 / January 4-6 / -Orientation to COMS 2105; Group Formation
-Review & Analysis of former group experiences
-Write a Group Contract collaboratively
2 / January 9-13 / -Share/discuss COMS 2103 research topics
-Brainstorm forResearch Topics (Chapter 4)
-Conduct collaborative/individual Secondary Research- top 2 choices
-Final Selection of a Research Topic
-Secondary Research(Chapter 5):Select Literature Review topics
-Literature Review individual assignment(dueFebruary 2)
- Conceptual Baggage individual assignment (due March 16)
3 / January 16-20 / -Formulation of Research Question, Hypothesis
-Primary Research Project Plan
(Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12)
Qualitative and Quantitative research methods
-Begin CBU Research Ethics Board Application (Chapter 3)
4 / January 23-27 / CBU Research Ethics Board Application (submit by Jan. 25)
5 / January 30-February 3 / CBU Research Ethics Board reviews submitted application
Literature Review individual assignment due by February 2
6 / February 6-10 / Data Collection (with ethics approval)
7 / February 13-17 / Data Collection (all data collection must be completed)
8 / February 20-24 / READING WEEK
9 / February 27-March 3 / Data Analysis (see Chapter 10)
10 / March 6-10 / Write Final Research Report (Chapters 13, 14)
(Interpretation of the Results, Discussion of Findings)
11 / March 13-17 / Write Final Research Report (due March 16)
Research Symposium ABSTRACT (due March 16)
Conceptual Baggage individual assignment (due March 16)
12 / March 20-24 / Prepare for Oral Presentation
13 / March 27-31 / Oral Presentation practice session March 27-28
COMS 2105 RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM March 29,
5:30-8:30pm (snow date March 30)
14 / April 3-4 / -Peer & Self-evaluations due
-Oral Presentation debrief
-Group Adjournment
EVALUATION / NOTES:
All students do not necessarily receive the same grade for final group reports. The individual student evaluation depends on each student’s contribution.
Guidelines for poster format will be provided.
Engagement & Group Function:
Participation will encompass attendance, class assignments, engagement, and contribution to group learning activities, as assessed by peers and the group’s advisor. Group function relates to how the group is working together in terms of tasks accomplished and maintenance of group process.
Individual Literature Review / 25
Final Research Report (30 page paper & academic poster for the presentation) / 35
Presentation - Individual / 10
Presentation - Group / 10
Engagement / 20
TOTAL / 100

Textbook required (from COMS 2103)

Flick, Uwe. (2015). Introducing Research Methodology. Sage Publications Ltd.