SOC3103 - Project

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Identify a suitable academic topic that is related to their field of study.
Plan an effective project based on existing academic literature and sources.
Present a coherent account of a problem or area of interest.
Demonstrate reflection on the problems that they encountered when undertaking their chosen project.

Content:

This module will allow students to study area of interest related to their chosen future academic specialisation. Hence the subject content for each student will be varied and the learning will be highly personalised. Twelve hours of workshop tuition will be offered to explore how they will be assessed and the forms that their projects could take. In these workshops students will also be given an opportunity to explore assorted topics that their project could focus upon. Peer assessment of their project ideas will be encouraged. Students will work individually on their chosen project.

Students will focus exclusively on existing academic literature and other secondary sources. No primary empirical research will be undertaken. The format that students wish to present their project work in will be negotiable. It may be for instance a written report, a presentation and oral examination, film or a series of blog posts.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will utilise student-centred learning. Students will undertake problem-solving learning and formative feedback will be provided throughout the module. Students will initially attend workshops where tutors will work with them on how to conduct and construct a successful project report. In addition to this experience, students will be able to individually discuss their projects with a member of academic staff throughout the semester. All learning will be supportive foster increased self-confidence. Topics and how information is to be presented for assessment will be individually negotiated between students and members of staff.

Seminars
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Variable

Guided independent study
Hours: 280

Further details relating to assessment
The plan will identify the project's aim, objectives, key areas to be focused upon, key sources that are likely to be drawn upon and a timeline of activities. The project and the form that it is delivered will be negotiated between lecturers and students. It will however not involve empirical research and research participants.

The project will require a student to undertake a sustained piece of academic work on a negotiated topic that they agree with the module tutor. This proposal will need to be on a topic related to a student's intended area of future study. Students will also be able to negotiate how the format that they will present their project work. For example, they could choose to be assessed by a written report, film, a series of blog entries or a portfolio with reflections.

As this is a negotiated assessment module the marking criteria for each student will become part of the negotiation process. As this is a non-empirical project research the traditional academic ethics clearance will not be required.

Assessment:

001 Negotiated assessment; 3000 word equiv.; end of semester 2 %

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Bruce Rainford
Level - 0
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 3S2

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