module specification

IF3060 - Researching Discrimination (2017/18)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2017/18
Module title Researching Discrimination
Module level Foundation (03)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Professions
Total study hours 150
 
90 hours Guided independent study
60 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 15%   Written questionnaire and report plan (up to 500 words)
Coursework 85%   Written report (1000 words)
Running in 2017/18

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North To be arranged To be arranged
Spring semester North To be arranged To be arranged

Module summary

Students will acquire research skills through a guided research project. They will use these as a basis for producing a short report.

Module aims

This core module aims to enable students to:

  • Investigate the basic principles of research
  • Critically analyse published research
  • Develop and practise research skills
  • Develop writing skills required for effective report writing
  • Develop strategies to use feedback to improve writing

Syllabus

The syllabus will introduce students to the principles of research using various texts, such as newspaper articles, videos and academic sources. Examples of published research will be used to critically analyse research findings. A variety of source materials will be used to introduce students to the main themes of the research project and they will have opportunities to debate these ideas in class. Students will be guided through the different stages of carrying out a report and look at examples of reports to identify how to structure their writing.

Learning and teaching

The module is delivered through classes, one to one student contact, online tasks and guided research sessions.  Examples of class activities include seminar discussions, group tasks and writing practice.  Discussions and formative and summative feedback will give students the opportunity to reflect upon progress and discuss strategies for developing skills (60 hrs).

Students will also engage in ongoing self-directed study to enable them to improve their reading and writing skills and complete required assessment components (90 hrs).

Module information including module booklet and assessment details is available on WebLearn. Blended learning resources such as homework tasks, reading resources, class materials, study support resources and web links are also on WebLearn.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

  • Understand some principles of research and how it is used in HE
  • Understand and use some basic research terminology
  • Identify different sections of a research report
  • Use basic research skills to carry out a project
  • Write a report based on their research
  • Improve and refine their report based on feedback

Assessment strategy

Formative assessment will take place throughout the module.
Summative assessment will consist of:
- coursework  - (15%)
- coursework  - (85%)

Bibliography

Bell, Judith (1993) Doing your Research Project [Buckingham: Open University Press]
Bowden, John (2011) Writing a report : how to prepare, write and present really effective reports  [Oxford : How To Books]
Levin, P. (2005) Successful Teamwork for undergraduates and postgraduates working on group projects [Open University Press: Maidenhead]
Smith, P. (2011) How to write an assignment: proven techniques for producing essays, reports and dissertations that succeed [Oxford: How to Books]
Taylor, S. (2005) Communication for Business, [London: Pearson]