GLM4000 - Globalising research methods

Leader(s): TBA

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit will engage with two connected questions:

1. How can we research the phenomenon of globalisation;
2. How has globalisation impacted upon research methods in the social sciences and humanities? The unit will look at both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, combined forms such as historical-comparative, and theoretical frameworks (e.g. post-colonialism), to understand how each of these might be applied to understand the multi-dimensional nature of the impacts of "globalisation". It will also consider how the work and approach of researchers has been changed by the forms of evidence and the trans-national contexts that exist in the modern "globalising" world.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Have a well-developed understanding of major qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and theories.
2. Be able to determine which approaches, from a range of different research methodologies, may be appropriate for the study of specific social science or humanities research questions regarding globalisation.
3. Understand how globalising trends and developments such as in communication technologies have changed the texts and materials available for research, and the approaches required from researchers.
4. Have highly developed skills in web-based study forms.
5. Have high level inquiry, collaborative learning and presentation abilities.
6. Be able to undertake a theoretically and methodologically informed research project on an aspect of globalisation.

Assessment

Group online presentation (2000 words): 20%
Individual online presentation (2000 words): 20%
Online tutorial contributions (2000 words): 20%
Research project proposal (3000 words): 40%

Off-campus attendance requirements

Weekly one to two hour asynchronous tutorial

Prerequisites

At least two core M.Global units or equivalent

Prohibitions

GLO4000