Module in Social Sciences: Introducing Social Research and Investigation

Module Delivery

This module is delivered online over 15 weeks. Most sessions comprise an online lecture and a workshop activity or activities. If you are unable to attend a live session due to factors outside your control, you are expected to inform your tutor and engage in this, where possible, before the next scheduled session. This is aimed at enabling you to develop a clear understanding, considering how the theory and academic knowledge will link into health and social care practice. In weeks 10 – 15 tutorials will take place which will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your progress on the module and receive feedback on assessments. To complete the module successfully you must allocate a substantial amount of independent study time, which will include undertaking set activities and carrying out assessment activities. Academic skills development will be embedded within the modules, with the inclusion of study skills appropriate to the stage of study.

This module is delivered via one three-hour lecture and one three-hour seminar session per week over 15 weeks. To complete the module successfully you must also allocate a substantial amount of independent study time. The timetable will include tutorials (group and individual) in which you have the opportunity to discuss your progress on the module with your Module Tutor. Revision/ practice sessions are scheduled before submission of assessment.

Graduate Attributes

Graduate attributes are the personal qualities and skills, which the Regent College/University of Bolton community values, and which a student is expected develop during their time at the College/University. Graduate attributes act as a point of reference for a student’s personal development and support the articulation of employability and transferable skills.

In total there are 10 graduate attributes. This module seeks to support the development of:

• Effective Communication
• Adaptable

Module Communications

The Module Tutor’s contact details are provided at the top of this page.  You must check your University of Bolton email address and the Moodle area dedicated to this module regularly as many module communications are channelled through these media.

Your Module Tutor will normally aim to respond to your email messages within 2 full working days of receipt. However, responses will be longer in holiday periods.

Module Description

This module will introduce you to a range of issues addressed within the social sciences through reading, and analysing three established and popular works of social investigation. You will learn how to put social research into its historical, political and social context, to recognise social science approaches and perspectives, and to gain an introductory knowledge of different methods of data collection. You will develop the skills of “academic reading”, prioritising information and communicating your ideas in both oral and written forms.

Description

• Exploring the question “What is Social Science?”
• Examination of three social science texts, to reflect the academic disciplines covered in the programme. This will involve:

Contextualisation of the book (historical, political, is it part of a genre?)

Author biography and authorial perspective

The book; overview, content and issues, structure, methods

The Influence (or legacy) of the book

ØThe contribution of social science and social investigation to social policy

Learning Outcomes and Assessments

Learning Outcomes

Assessment

LO1:  Describe and illustrate an informed opinion based on research and analysis of evidence Written Report

LO2:  Analyse information and experiences and articulate reasoned arguments through reflection, review and evaluation Written Report

LO3:  Demonstrate an introductory understanding of research and its application in practice Written Report

LO4:  Plan, prepare and write a review of a piece of social science literature Written Report