CRIM 4002 - Honours Criminology Research Methods

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

This seminar builds on knowledge gained at undergraduate level about the principles, processes and practices of social research. It aims to deepen student's understanding of the practical, epistemological and ethical aspects of social research, and to prepare graduate students for fieldwork. A selection of topics has been chosen that cover major social research methods. The course will provide students with an understanding of the practical aspects of doing social research from writing a literature review to preparing a research proposal, choosing a research method and writing up a thesis, as well as allowing an opportunity for students to critically discuss the data collection/generation process, subjectivity and reflexivity, and the conduct of ethical behaviour from recruitment to representation of research participants.

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Course Details

Course Code	CRIM 4002
Course	Honours Criminology Research Methods
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	Completed degree (72 units) with a 24 unit Major in Criminology or Bachelor of Criminology at a Distinction average or equivalent as determined by Honours Coordinator/Department Committee
Restrictions	Available only to students admitted to the relevant Honours Program
Assessment	Literature Review (3000 words) 30%, Comparative Essay (3000 words) 40%, Pre-Seminar Quizzes/Discussion Posts 20%, Participation 10%

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Russell Brewer

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the main research designs, theories, methods and forms of analysis used in the social sciences.
2. Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and synthesise literature related to a research question.
3. Critically analyse and demonstrate an ability to formulate viable research questions.
4. Demonstrate an understanding and ability to undertake the range of tasks necessary to completing a research project.
5. Identify and engage with the range of ethical issues involved in the conduct of a research project.
6. Show an understanding of cross cultural contexts and the nuances/implications of cross cultural research.
7. Demonstrate skills in using online data bases and software.
8. Demonstrate high level written and verbal communication skills.

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)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1, 2, 5
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	3
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	8
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	4, 7
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	5, 6
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	5, 6

Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

No information currently available.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

WORKLOAD – STRUCTURED LEARNING
1 x 2 hour lectures (includes small group work and seminar discussion 20

TOTAL = 20

WORKLOAD – SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
13 hours reading per week 130 hours per semester
8.1 hours research per week 81 hours per semester
8.1 hours assignment preparation per week 81 hours per semester

TOTAL =312

Learning Activities Summary

No information currently available.

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

Literature Review (30%)
Comparative essay (40%)
Pre-seminar quizzes/discussion posts (20%)
Participation (10%)

Assessment Detail

Literature review - 3000 word essay (30%)
Comparative essay - 3000 words (40%)
Pre-seminar quizzes/discussion posts (20%)
Seminar participation (10%)

Submission

No information currently available.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M11 (Honours Mark Scheme)
Grade	Grade reflects following criteria for allocation of grade	Reported on Official Transcript
Fail	A mark between 1-49	F
Third Class	A mark between 50-59	3
Second Class Div B	A mark between 60-69	2B
Second Class Div A	A mark between 70-79	2A
First Class	A mark between 80-100	1
Result Pending	An interim result	RP
Continuing	Continuing	CN

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.

Student Feedback

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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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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator