Overview:Introduction to Research Methods for Humanities and Social Sciences is a compulsory module on the Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences. It teaches you the core skills of carrying out successful research, from honing reading techniques, to using databases and search engines, to selecting the key texts and arguments which will underpin your work. It explores key themes related to research, such as reliability and validity and provides a broad overview of the expectations, norms and values associated with researching at masters level in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences, especially in the disciplines of Business and Management, Politics and International Relations, and Film Studies.
Module Structure:You will have a two hour class each week, in addition to three hours of individual tutorials divided up into 30 minute slots spread out over the semester.
Learning Outcomes:By the end of the module you will be able to:• Demonstrate the study skills required for successful completion of a research project at level 6 and beyond;• Demonstrate the writing skills required for writing up a completed research project;• Read and think critically in order to select appropriate sources and support your own argument, results and methodology;• Design a research methodology which enables accurate representation of key themes and ideas within the fields of Business and Management, Politics and International Relations and Film Studies;• Design an empirical project which requires the carrying out of primary research and the demonstration of understanding of established theories in the relevant field. • Engage and be proactive in class and in tutorials and to take control of your own research plans and ideas.
Aims:The module aims to familiarise you with the nature and concept of research conducted in the Schools of Business and Management, Politics and International Relations, Languages, Linguistics and Film, and within the Social Sciences more generally, by breaking down the research process into skill areas, which will be taught and studied each week.
Assessment:You will be assessed by coursework only, consisting of:• Research proposal (25%)• An annotated bibliography (25%)• A reflective task (25%)• One complete draft chapter (25%).
You will be provided with regular formative feedback on your written work, research design and general interaction with the research process through tutorials.
Who teaches this module?Charlotte Assimakopoulos, James Crichton Bell, Jenny Brown, Mark Heffernan, Julian Ridler