AZA4450 - Researching for social sciences and humanities - 2019

The goal of this interdisciplinary research methodology unit is to provide students with a broad introduction to research in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Students will develop the skills required to conduct an independent research project and present their findings in the required form. Topics to be covered include research planning, design and execution, theoretical framework, argumentation, research methods, research ethics, data collection and analysis, and discourse and textual analysis. Discipline specific aspects of research will be covered in 3 weeks (out of the 12 weeks/semester).

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Understand the meaning of research and research methodology in the Social Sciences and Humanities;
2. Understand the dynamic relationships between their chosen research topic, the questions they ask and the methods they use;
3. Understand the practical, theoretical and ethical issues surrounding research in the Social Sciences and Humanities;
4. Appreciate different research methodologies and select those relevant or appropriate for their research topic questions;
5. Understand the place of different research methodologies in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts;
6. Develop the skills to write a thorough and well-structured research proposal in their area of research interest.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

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Philosophy and ethics - South Africa

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