-To introduce students to the field of social enquiry and its proper objects of study

-To introduce students to the principles and process of social research

-To introduce students to strategies for finding, accessing and evaluating sources of information

-To introduce students to basic methods and techniques of data production and analysis

-To introduce students to basic techniques for presenting and communicating information effectively

(LO1) An understanding of the nature of social enquiry and its objects of attention

(LO2) An understanding of key principles in social research

(LO3) An understanding of the social research process

(LO4) An ability to find and access existing sources of information

(LO5) An ability to critically evaluate sources of information and knowledge claims

(LO6) An ability to produce and analyse data effectively

(LO7) An ability to present and communicate information and findings of research in an effective manner

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Following instructions/protocols/procedures

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S7) Time and project management - Personal organisation

(S8) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S9) Information accessing - skills used in technology

The module is designed to provide students studying in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology with a comprehensive introduction to critical thinking and social research methods skills.

In semester 1 students begin to develop their critical imaginations, and are introduced to different key skill sets they will use across the degree programmes, including library skills, and critical reading and writing skills.

In semester 2 students are introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative methods and methodologies including an understanding of, for example, interviews and surveys.

Across the two semesters, and on each topic, students will have an introductory lecture (90 mins), and will then get the chance to apply their knowledge in practical workshops (90 mins).

Teaching Method 1 – Lecture
Description: Fortnightly lectures (a lecture every 2 weeks) are designed to introduce students to the foundations of social enquiry, critical thinking, library skills, and a range of methodological techniques.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Teaching Method 2 – Workshop
Description: Fortnightly workshops (a workshop (or computer lab workshop) every 2 weeks) offer students the chance for more practice-based learning. Workshops involve students completing short directed learning tasks under the supervision of a relevant member of staff. These include for instance, sessions on identifying theory and evidence, critical reading and writing skills, and how to understand quantitative and qualitative data.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Teaching Method 3 – Workshop (computer lab)
Description: These offer students the chance for more practice-based learning. Workshops involve students completing short directed learning tasks und er the supervision of a relevant member of staff. These include for instance, sessions on using computer software to analyse data.
Attendance Recorded: Yes