units

EDF6005

Faculty of Education

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Monash University

Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

LevelPostgraduate
FacultyFaculty of Education
OfferedClayton First semester 2010 (Off-campus block of classes)
Clayton First semester 2010 (Off-campus)
Clayton First semester 2010 (Evening)
Clayton Second semester 2010 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2010 (Evening)
Coordinator(s)Dr Mary-Lou Rasmussen (For Module 1); Dr Cynthia Joseph (For Module 2)

Synopsis

The unit consists of two modules. Module 1 provides an overview of significant debates about the nature of knowledge and different research approaches in the fields of social science and education, including ethical issues in research. Module 2 is designed to develop students' ability to identify and interpret research literature across a range of academic genres, including the processes of locating and retrieving research literature.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit students should be able to:

  • understand different research perspectives and methodologies in the field of education and social sciences;
  • have an awareness of their ethical responsibilities when undertaking research;
  • reflect on the meanings and motivations they bring to the research endeavour;
  • perceive the interconnections between research questions, data forums, research methodologies and methods
  • formulate research questions and link these to designs;
  • systematically identify and locate a range of research literature on a topic of interest to them;
  • interpret and critically evaluate this literature with respect to its usefulness in a specific setting (typically the students' own work setting or focus of study);
  • engage with a range of conventions and stylistic features of academic writing; prepare a summary of the implications of this literature in a selected academic genre.

Assessment

Two research papers tailored to the needs of the student group, together comprising 8000 words.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr MaryLou Rasmussen

Contact hours

3 hours per week