Course finder

<< return to browsing

Semester 2

Sociology 2b: Researching Social Life (SCIL08013)

Subject

Sociology

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

2

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Visiting Students must have passed one introductory Sociology course at grade B or above. **Please see Additional Restrictions below**

Course Summary

Students in this course learn how to design research in a global context. Lectures explore elements of research design through a variety of specific transnational topics, while tutorials support students in developing their own plans for a research proposal on a topic of their choosing.

Course Description

In this course we introduce the various ways that sociologists do their research, looking critically at the various ways sociological evidence can be produced. We do this in the context of in-depth study of some key areas of sociological interest in the context of globalization, including transnational migration, social inequalities, health and the university itself. The course aims to deepen students' understanding of these substantive fields, while at the same time using them as case studies on how research is carried out, as well as identifying key concepts and debates that relate to the research process. The course will also help students evaluate evidence they encounter in non-academic sources such as politics and the media. By the end of this course, students write a research proposal on a global/transnational topic they have chosen that relates to the themes of the course. Three short research exercises build up to this final assignment, with students receiving feedback on a developing research question that they incorporate into their final work. Tutorials provide practical support for working towards the research proposal as well as trying out some research methods. The course builds on some of what has been covered in Sociology 1A, 1B and/or 2A and acts as a preparation for Sociology Honours, as well as helping students to prepare for doing their own research at Honours-level. The course also aims to provide a practical and stimulating stand-alone course on research design in a global context for students not intending to pursue Honours Sociology.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Restrictions

This course cannot be taken alongside Sociology 1A: The Sociological Imagination: Individuals and Society (SCIL08004) or Sociology 1B: The Sociological Imagination: Private Troubles, Public Problems (SCIL08005)

view the timetable and further details for this course