SCHS4100
20 units
4000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course is the second of two Honours level courses that build knowledge and understanding about the history and philosophy of research in the social sciences. This course focuses specifically on the 'practice of research' and explores the idea of 'research as design'. The course enhances digital research skills and capacities in reading and literature reviewing, critical reasoning and argument. The course includes: discussions of pure and applied research methods in the social sciences; ethics; research design; and on-line bibliographic searches and writing techniques. Where appropriate this may involve external stakeholders and Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Use advanced features in appropriate reference, data analysis and data management software to systematically mange and organise quantitative and qualitative information.
2. Systematically and methodically analyse own and others' assumptions.
3. Critically evaluate the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.
4. Conduct high quality research at an Honours level.
5. Use professional academic writing conventions for the purposes of communicating complex ideas and procedures.
Content
SCHS4100 will focus on the practice of research. Topics that will be covered may include:
- Research design
- Research problem
- Hypo deductive reasoning
- Inductive reasoning
- Literature search
- Literature review
- Building a library
- Data management
- Ethics
- Analysis
- Report Writing
Requisite
Students must be active in the Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) [10726] program to enrol in this course. Students who have successfully completed SOCA4100 or SPSW4020 cannot enrol in SCHS4100.
Assumed knowledge
A major in sociology and anthropology, human services or criminology with a minimum credit grade average.
Assessment items
In Term Test: Test - literature database strategies
Written Assignment: Literature review
Written Assignment: Research proposal
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Self-Directed Learning-1
- Self-Directed 18 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- SCHS4100 - Semester 1, 2024 (Callaghan) (PDF, 210.7 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.