Undergraduate Module Descriptors 2012/13
GEO208: Qualitative Methods
Module Title |
Qualitative Methods |
Module Code |
GEO208 |
Module Tutor |
Pauline Dooley |
School |
Natural and Social Sciences |
CAT Points |
15 |
Level of Study |
5 |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
Restrictions |
None |
Brief Description |
Students are involved in further explorations of society, studying a range of qualitative research methods, including autobiography and participant observation, whilst discussion encompasses policy issues, feminist research, research ethics and power relationships. |
Indicative Syllabus |
The module contains a comprehensive review, evaluation and practice of a range of qualitative methods. Including: a) Investigative strategies including participant observation, ethnography, discourse analysis; b) A comparison of research methods applied to a particular problem, e.g. of the methods; employed in Durkheim's 'Suicide' with J Douglas' study of suicide; c) Research ethics, values and power relations; d) Practical issues in the research process. |
Learning Outcomes |
i. Knowledge and understanding On completion of the module, students should be able to: a) demonstrate understanding of qualitative research methods and their epistemological basis; b) engage in critical debate over the formulation and practice of social research methods; c) make critical evaluation of applications qualitative methods; d) identify and understand ethical issues arising in social research; e) design a research project which employs qualitative methods; f) be reflective in terms of understanding their role as a researcher.
ii. Skills On completion of the module, students should be able to: a) formulate a social research question and employ qualitative methods to investigate it; b) present an individual report of a team project; c) undertake a piece of qualitative research by employing appropriate research methods; d) present information clearly both in the oral presentation and the written project; e) accurately record qualitative information; f) analyse and interpret qualitative data; g) work effectively and responsibly as part of a team. |
Learning and Teaching Activities |
Staff/student contact: 24% (36 hrs; lectures, seminars, practicals)
Student directed learning: 75% |
Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) |
001: 60% Coursework: Standard : 2000 words or equivalent
002: 40% Coursework: Individual, presentation: Presentation: 1500 words or equivalent
|
Special Assessment Requirements |
None |
Indicative Resources |
The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide. |