SOCY8101 Social Research Theory and Design is designed for students in Sociology (students from other social sciences may take the course with the agreement of their supervisors and course convenors). It examines the epistemological assumptions underpinning key theoretical perspectives in sociology and the practical implications of these perspectives for research design. The course complements and may be taken concurrently with SOCY8102 Advanced Social Research Methods, which further develops students’ capacity for theoretically informed application of specific research methods and techniques.
The course consists of six self-guided study modules, online discussion using Wattle and two intensive one-day seminars. The course pedagogy is based on principles of problem-based and self-directed learning; that is, learning about research theory and design through real world case studies and the application of learning to students’ own research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understanding of relationships between sociological theory, methodology and research design
- Ability to develop theoretically and empirically sophisticated research designs
- Appreciation of research topics and designs across ANU Sociology HDR and staff cohorts
Indicative Assessment
The course will be assessed as pass/fail. Students must gain a pass grade for each component of the assesssment.
Seminar presentation/workshop on topic to be negotiated with course convenor – 30%.
5000 word essay exploring the implications of theoretical perspectives covered in the course to the student’s own thesis topic – 70%.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Total course workload should equal approximately 130 hours (10 hours/week for 13 weeks). There will be set reading for each module provided online plus recommended background reading. Students will need to prepare presentations and workshops for the two one day intensive seminars and submit one essay.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Sociology to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None.
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3054 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3330 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8291 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |
