SYM4035

Theoretical and methodological issues in applied social research

(ART)

Ulla Svensson and Jan van Bommel

12 points + 2 hours per week + First semester + Clayton

Synopsis: Critical appraisal of current methods of social inquiry as preparation for students designing their own research. Examples are selected to cover a wide range of theoretical explanations and styles of doing social research. Issues include debates surrounding subjectivity and objectivity, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, macro and micro theory; political and ethical issues in research on humans.

Assessment: Ten weekly position papers (300 words each): 30% + Major essay (6000 words): 70%