Module Identifier IP36820  
Module Title RESEARCH METHODS AND SOCIAL THEORY  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Graeme A M Davies  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Jonathan M Joseph  
Co-Requisite IP36720 , IP37720  
Course delivery Lecture   19 Hours (19 x 1 hour)  
Assessment Semester Exam   2 Hours   50%  
  Semester Assessment   Dissertation: 1 x 3,000 words outline   50%  
  Supplementary Exam   Students may, subject to Faculty approval, have the opportunity to resit this module, normally during the supplementary examination period. For further clarification please contact the Teaching Programme Administrator in the Department of International Politics.    

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module students should be able to:

- demonstrate a basic understanding of social scientific research methodologies
- appreciate and evaluate differing social theories and the research methods associated with them
- be able to identify and use a range of relevant research resources
- use standard academic methods and techniques such as the compilation of a bibliography and the correct use of footnoting techniques
- devise a working title and prepare a research design proposal on a topic of their choice
- plan and undertake independent research at a level that is sufficient for the completion of an undergraduate dissertation
- understand, analyse and evaluate articles and books written by professional social scientists

Brief description

This module provides an introduction to research methods and social theory for students of politics and international politics

Aims

The aim of this module is to give students the writing, research and presentation skills necessary to compelte the compulsory dissertation and to develop an understanding of the competing theoretical schemes within which social research takes place. Through an examination of the manner in which differing theoretical approaches develop differing reserach strategies, students will be able to grasp the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches and their associated methodologies. In the module, we will investigate how social scientists frame research questions, formulate hypotheses, construct research designs, collect data, and analyse these data. The module includes sessions on basic academic skills; social theory; research methods and strategies; the use and abuse of statistics and survey research; comparative political analysis; choosing a dissertation topic; academic standards of presentation; methodology; and advanced use of libraries and other information sources in and outside of Aberystwyth.

Content

The language of social research: Being Critical and the Problem of Objectivity;   
What is a Dissertation?: Choosing a Topic and Research Design; Academic Techniques and Presentation;
Essay Writing: Footnoting Techniques; The Literature Review and Compiling a Bibliography;
Designing and completing your Research Plan; Research Resources;
History, Case Studies and Comparative Analysis; The Politics and Ethics of Research;
The Ontology of Social Objects; Positivism;   
Statistics and Quantitative Analysis; Hermeneutics; Critical Theory;
Feminism; Postmodernism; Social Realism.

Transferable skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop, practice and test a wide range of transferable skills that will help them to design research projects, undertake research projects and write-up the results of such projects. Throughout the modules, students will practice and enhance their writing, reading, comprehension and thinking skills as well as learn to understand and use a range of skills required in social science research methodology.

10 ECTS Credits

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
G Delanty. Social Science: Beyond Constructivism and Realism.
T May. Social Research: Issues Methods and Process.