GSSA 3018 - Social Research Advanced: Real World Practice
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code GSSA 3018 Course Social Research Advanced: Real World Practice Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 6 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Prerequisites At least 12 units of level 1 Arts courses & GWSI 2110 or GSSA 2110 Incompatible GWSI 3017, GSSA 3017 Assumed Knowledge Broad understanding of Social Research Methods Assessment 1500 word literature review (25%), oral presentation (10%), 3500 word final research paper (45%), 1000 word ethics application (plus survey and interview instrument (20%) Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Andrew Hope
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
At the successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1 Describe the purpose of a Literature Review and recognise the need for and components of an Ethics Application as required in any Social Research project. 2 Locate, analyse and synthesise academic literature into a Literature Review, and develop a research question in a timely and effective manner. 3 Develop a research question and design an independent research project including an Ethics Application, survey and interview instruments. 4 Recruit research participants using online survey generators and social media. 5 Conduct face to face research interviews according to social, cultural and ethical protocols and with professional integrity. 6 Analyse quantitative and qualitative data and communicate the findings through a research report and oral presentation. University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-3 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 6 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3-5 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4-6 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 4 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 5, 6 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 3, 5, 6 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3, 5 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Social Research Methods, edited by Maggie Walter, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, Second Edition 2010 or Third Edition 2013. The book is available from Uni Books and there are three copies in the Barr Smith Library.Online Learning
Additional course-related material is available through MyUni. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Lectures provide information about an aspect of social research and details of assignment requirements. The workshops are divided into one hour of group work around practicing a particular research skill, and one hour of working on independent projects in concert with other students and the course coordinator.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
1 x 1-hour lecture (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester 1 x 2-hour workshop (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester 9 hours reading per week 108 hours per semester 7 hours research per week 84 hours per semester 7 hours assignment preparation per week 84 hours per semester TOTAL WORKLOAD 312 hours per semester Learning Activities Summary
Schedule Week 1 Introduction Week 2 Conducting an Independent Research Project Week 3 Social Research Skills in the Workplace Week 4 Writing a Literature Review Week 5 Preparing a Research Proposal Week 6 Ethical Dimensions Week 7 Sampling & Surveys Week 8 Respectful Interviewing Week 9 Analysing Quantitative Data Week 10 Analysing Qualitative Data Week 11 Presenting Findings Week 12 Writing a Research Report Specific Course Requirements
This course requires students to carry out their own fieldwork. Students will be implementing a survey, and they will be conducting three face-to-face interviews on the North Terrace campus of the University of Adelaide. Participants in both the surveys and interviews will be current University of Adelaide students. Step by step guidance will be provided by the Course Coordinator. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome Oral presentation Formative and Summative 10% 1-6 1000 word ethics aplication, survey and interview instrument Formative and Summative 20% 1-6 1500 word literature review Formative and Summative 25% 1-6 3500 word final research paper Formative and Summative 45% 1-6 Assessment Detail
Oral Presentation (10%)
Students are required to briefly summarise and present their research project and findings to date.
1000 word ethics application, survey and interview instrument (20%)
Students are required to complete a pre-designed Ethics Application as approval from an Ethics Committee is an important component of any social research project. In preparation for fieldwork, students are also required to submit the survey they have designed and the interview guide they have prepared.
1500 word literature review (25%)
Students are required to write a 1500 word review of the academic literature in preparation for the research project.
3500 word final research paper (45%)
This is a written report on the entire project, including an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.Submission
The 1500 literature review, 1000 word ethics application and oral presentation must be submitted electronically via MyUni. The 3500 final research paper is to be submitted in hard copy to the School of Social Sciences office.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
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- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
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- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
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- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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