SOCY8101 Social Research Theory and Design is designed for students in Sociology (students from other social sciences may take the course with the agreement of their supervisors and course convenors).  It examines the epistemological assumptions underpinning key theoretical perspectives in sociology and the practical implications of these perspectives for research design. The course complements and may be taken concurrently with SOCY8102 Advanced Social Research Methods, which further develops students’ capacity for theoretically informed application of specific research methods and techniques.

The course  consists of  six self-guided study modules, online discussion using Wattle and two intensive one-day seminars.  The course pedagogy is based on principles of problem-based and self-directed learning; that is, learning about research theory and design through real world case studies and the application of learning to students’ own research.

• Understanding of relationships between sociological theory, methodology and research design
• Ability to develop theoretically and empirically sophisticated research designs
• Appreciation of research topics and designs across ANU Sociology HDR and staff cohorts

The course will be assessed as pass/fail. Students must gain a pass grade for each component of the assesssment.

Seminar presentation/workshop on topic to be negotiated with course convenor – 30%.

5000 word essay exploring the implications of theoretical perspectives covered in the course to the student’s own thesis topic – 70%.

Total course workload should equal approximately 130 hours (10 hours/week for 13 weeks). There will be set reading for each module provided online plus recommended background reading. Students will need to prepare presentations and workshops for the two one day intensive seminars and submit one essay.

SOCY8102 Advanced Social Research Methods (Corequisite)

Demonstrated familiarity with fundamentals of social research methods (quantitative and qualitative).

None.