Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Social Science Research Methods for Honours
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Professor Hariz Halilovich
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 274
Course Coordinator Email: hariz.halilovich@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 37. Floor 5. Room 16
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
This is an Honours level course. It is assumed that you have completed a three-year undergraduate degree in the Social Sciences (or related field).
Recommended Concurrent Study
As a full-time student you should undertake HUSO1222: Designing Social Science Research and HUSO2374: Honours Thesis Part A at the same time as this course as they contain areas of knowledge and skills which are implemented together in practice.
As a Part-time student you will be required to have your proposed program plan approved by the Program Manager.
Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.
Contact the Program Manager if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.
Course Description
Social Science Research Methods for Honours is a core course in the Global, Urban and Social Studies (GUSS) BH131 Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Program. It assumes that you have at least commenced research for your honours thesis.
In this course you will engage with the methodological approaches and methods that underpin Social Science research and will work to identify the methods required to support your Honours research project/thesis.
Your learning in this course will be facilitated through workshops where you will engage with your research community, which includes students and discipline relevant academics and/or professionals, to explore and apply the related content.
This course will run as a six-week intensive in the second half of Semester 1. If you are enrolled in this course as a component of your Bachelor Honours Program, your overall mark will contribute to the calculation of the weighted average mark (WAM).
See the WAM information web page for more information.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the following BH131 Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) program learning outcomes:
PLO2: Critique, reflect on and synthesise knowledge, experiences and information from a range of sources to enhance understanding and application in social science research.
PLO3: Critically apply theoretical knowledge from social science disciplines to inform analyses in various and diverse contexts.
PLO4: Employ social science research methods to independently design, conduct, and defend research with a well-constructed argument.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
CLO1: Develop and apply your knowledge of the key approaches to social science research methods
CLO2: Apply relevant social science data collection methods to research project thesis
CLO3: Assess the practical implications of implementing different data collection techniques using relevant technology
CLO4: Extend and apply your understanding of the ethical dimensions of social science research.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in learning that involves lectorials, workshops, group and class discussion and individual research.
In this course, you will participate in workshops where you will collaborate with your research community, including students and discipline relevant academics and/or professionals, to explore and apply the material.
This course will run as a six-week intensive in the second half of Semester 1.
Delivery may be face-to-face, online or a mix of both.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your course coordinator, including books, journal articles and/or web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own research. Course specific resources can be accessed via Canvas.
There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services.
For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the methods used in social science research and you will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific research area.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment 1: Critical investigation of social science methods
Weighting: 50%
Addressing course learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4
Assessment 2: Refined research methods proposal
Weighting: 50%
Addressing course learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.