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. Learning will take place around a general theme of professional development and project skills. Students will undertake problem-solving learning and formative feedback will be provided throughout the module. Students will initially attend workshops where the nominated tutor will work with them on how to conduct and construct a successful project. In addition to this experience, students will be able to individually discuss their learning and projects with a nominated supervisor throughout the semester. All learning will be supportive with an aim to foster increased self-confidence and self-responsibility. Topics and how information is to be presented for assessment will be individually negotiated between the student and their supervisor.

Workshops and Seminars
Hours: 40
Intended Group Size: 50

Tutorials
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: 25

Supervision
Hours: 4
Intended Group Size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 236

Further details relating to assessment
An individual verbal presentation is to be given about a relevant topic of choice which will form the basis of the project. It should be pitched at the appropriate educational level for the group and will help to enhance the speaking skills and personal confidence of the presenter.

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 the supervisor and the student. It will however not involve empirical research and research participants.

The quiz will be multiple-choice and about a relevant topic that they have researched that is clearly linked to their proposed project. It will be presented in ‘lay intellectual’ terms so suitable for most audiences.

The project will require a student to undertake a sustained piece of academic work on a negotiated topic that they agree with their supervisor. This proposal will need to be on a topic related to a student’s intended programme of study. Students will also be able to negotiate the format in which they will present their project work. For example, they could choose to be assessed by a written report, essay, film, a series of blog entries or a portfolio with reflections. As this is a non-empirical project research the traditional academic ethics clearance will not be required.

The learner will be expected to reflect on the problems they encountered during the project as part of the assessment process and this will be incorporated into the submitted project in the form of a reflective conclusion.

It is expected that all components are achieved to allow progression onto Level 4 degree programmes. These are designed to develop learners skills to cope on mainstream degrees programme.

Assessment:

001 Verbal presentation & project plant; 5mins + 500 words; end of semester 1 30%
002 Project (negotiated assessment); 2,500 word equiv.; end of semester 2 70%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Joanna Adhikari
Level - 0
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 3YL

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