SOC06014 2022 Study and Research for Sociologists

General Details

Full Title
Study and Research for Sociologists
Transcript Title
Study and Research for Sociolo
Code
SOC06014
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
SOC - Sociology
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Maire Hanniffy
Programme Membership
SG_HJOIN_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and Politics
Description

This module aims to support students with their transition into higher education learning. Students will develop their own reading and writing skills whilst focusing on the use and referencing of reliable and valid sources of sociological knowledge. Other academic learning will include understanding the research process and codes of ethics in research, with a focus on sociological studies. Students will also develop presentation skills and team working skills. These skills are applicable in the subjects areas undertaken by the students.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Identify and incorporate key skills in academic writing

2.

Develop critical thinking skills

3.

Assess the reliability and validity of various sources of knowledge

4.

Outline the process of research and the ethical dimensions of research

5.

Establish a variety of presentation skills

6.

Participate as an effective team member within their group

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The module will be delivered via a weekly 3 hour class. This class will include lecturing, small group work, problem based learning. This will evolve with the cohort of students. The VLE platform Moodle, will act as a support to student learning.

Module Assessment Strategies

Individual Written essay: Students are required to write one essay based on sociology. Students will receive formative feedback on a draft prior to final submission (50%). This will support students in completing work on the essay earlier in the semester in preparation for submission in week 9.

Group Work and Presentation: Students will work on a group research activity, present their findings orally (30%) and submit a team work portfolio (20%).

Repeat Assessments

Repeat requirements are dependent on failed component(s)

Indicative Syllabus

LO 1 Identify and incorporate key skills in academic writing

  • Reading and note taking skills.
  • The planning and development of written assignments.
  • Academic Integrity.
  • The use of Harvard referencing system to acknowledge sources and prevent plagiarism.

LO 2 Develop critical thinking skills:

  • Identify flaws in existing arguments. 
  • Class debates.
  • Critical Reading.
  • Critical Writing.

LO 3 Assess the reliability and validity of various sources of knowledge:  

  • Review, and critique sociology texts for reliability and validity. They will also review other sources of information, such as newspapers and web pages, to compare and contrast reliability.
  • CRAAP Method.
  • Library Skills.

LO 4 Explore the process of research and ethical dimensions of research:

  • Designing research questions.
  • Qualitative and quantitative research approaches. 
  • Research methods such as interviews, focus groups and questionnaires will also be explored.
  • Ethical research practice and the SAI - Sociological Association of Ireland ethical guidelines for researchers.

LO 5 Establish a variety of presentation skills:  

  • Organisation skills.
  • Technological skills such as Powerpoint and Prezzi.
  • Using visual aids effectively, voice quality, verbal and non-verbal communication, and creativity.

LO 6 Participate as an effective team member:  

  • Roles and responsibilities of team membership.
  • Barriers to effective teams.
  • Use of team meetings and minutes.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Essay Coursework Assessment Essay 50 % Week 9 1,2,3
2 Group Research Presentation Coursework Assessment Group Project 30 % Week 13 4,5
3 Teamwork Portfolio Coursework Assessment Assessment 20 % Week 13 6

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Flat Classroom Lecture 2 Weekly 2.00
Tutorial Flat Classroom Tutorial workshop 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent Learning 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Recommended Reading
2014 Oxford Dictionary of Sociology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Recommended Reading
01/01/2006 Between ourselves.An introduction to interpersonal communication. London: Hodder Arnold.

Recommended Reading
01/01/2013 Cite them right: 9 th Ed. The essential referencing guide. Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan.

Required Reading
2017-03-14 Critical Thinking Skills Red Globe Press
ISBN 1137550503 ISBN-13 9781137550507

Written by internationally renowned author Stella Cottrell, this is an essential resource for students looking to refine their thinking, reading and writing skills. Stella Cottrells student-centred approach demystifies critical thinking and breaks down a complex subject into manageable chunks. With clear explanations, relevant examples and plenty of exercises throughout, this book helps students to develop their analytical reasoning skills and apply them to a range of tasks including reading, note-making and writing. This text will turn even the most hesitant student into a proficient critical thinker. This is an ideal companion for students of study skills, humanities, social sciences, business and arts programmes, where assessment includes essay and report writing. It is suitable for students of all levels.

Recommended Reading
2018-05-23 Doing Your Research Project
ISBN 033524338X ISBN-13 9780335243389
Required Reading
2012-01-30 Effective Teamwork John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9780470974971 ISBN-13 0470974974

Updated to reflect the latest research evidence, the third edition of Effective Teamwork provides business managers with the necessary guidance and tools to build and maintain effective teamwork strategies. A new edition of a bestselling book on teamwork from an acknowledged leader in the field Offers a unique integration of rigorous research with practical guidance to develop effective leadership teams Features new chapters on virtual teams and top management teams, plus contemporary themes of ethics and values Utilizes research based on positive psychology techniques

Recommended Reading
2016 Essential Study Skills The Complete Guide to Success at University Sage Publications

Recommended Reading
2016 Skilled interpersonal communication: Research, theory and Practice. East Sussex: Routledge.

Recommended Reading
2015 Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Required Reading
2010 Team Roles at Work Routledge
ISBN 9781856178006 ISBN-13 1856178005

Belbin's renowned Team Role theory is a familiar concept for managers and management trainers across the world. Following on from the best-selling Management Teams: Why they succeed or fail, this second edition of Team Roles at Work provides useful insights into how to apply the theory in everyday work situations. This book explores the impact of Team Roles from interpersonal chemistry and managing difficult relationships, to cultivating effective leaders and shaping organizations. Now fully updated, this second edition has new practical examples and summaries bringing this book up to date 17 years after its original publication. Drawing from Belbin's own practical experience it answers the queries that have arisen during those years. Further information accompanies the book on the Belbin website, www.belbin.com/books/books.htm including a free, downloadable, full-page summary of Team Roles with their icons, descriptions, strengths and allowable weaknesses. Team Roles at Work is the best-selling, second book written by Meredith Belbin, designed for any manager who wants to understand the practical application of Team Role theory. R. Meredith Belbin was formerly Chairman of the Industrial Training Research Unit. A founder Member of Belbin Associates, he is also Visiting Professor and Honorary Fellow of Henley Management College. RELATED TITLES Belbin, Management Teams: Why they succeed or fail, 3e, ISBN: 978-1-85617-8075 * Complete descriptions of the Belbin Team Roles provide an understanding of how to analyse teams and then maximise output by using each team member's strengths * Numerous real world case studies show how to apply the theory to real situations * A highly practical book and online toolkit at www.Belbin.com demonstrates how to apply the Belbin team role method

Required Reading
2019 The Study Skills Handbook. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Journal Resources

None.

URL Resources

https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/mastering-academic-writing

https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/using-the-library/students/training-and-skills-support/my-learning-essentials/online-resources/

https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/learning/LearningResources/AcademicWriting/

Other Resources

None.

Additional Information

Moodle will be used.