

COURSE SYLLABUS
SCOPE OF COURSE SYLLABUS
Intended for students enrolling in Research Methodology in Social Sciences, this syllabus contains information specific to the course. It is a definitive record of the course's primary characteristics and the learning outcomes a typical student can reasonably achieve if he/she takes full advantage of the available learning opportunities. This document also serves as a reference for academic and support staff, internal and external examiners, and for future course monitoring and review.
COURSE AT A GLANCE
Course Title
Research Methodology in Social Sciences
Subject Area
Research Methodology
Course Code
RESM 50011
Course Level
Graduate
Credits
5.0
Prerequisites
None
Methods of Delivery
Face-to-face
Online
Expected Length
5.0 Weeks
Class Meetings
Dependent on the choice made during enrollment
Faculty
TBD
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Computer Software: Any computer software that aids learning.
TEXT(S)
Text 1: PSR
Title: The Practice of Social Research
Author(s): Earl R. Babbie
Year Published: 2021
ISBN: 9780357360767
SYNOPSIS
This course is meticulously crafted to serve as a foundational cornerstone within sociological research methodology, intending to instill a profound comprehension of the intricacies inherent to the research process within the purview of social sciences. Its paramount objective is to inculcate a nuanced appreciation of the methodological paradigms, theoretical underpinnings, and analytical skills requisite for the cultivation of empirically rigorous sociological inquiry. The curriculum encompasses an exhaustive and critical scrutiny of various research typologies, their attendant methodological advantages and limitations, the requisite instrumentation for meticulously acquiring sociological data, and a comprehensive elucidation of advanced analytical techniques. The educational methodology underscores a substantive commitment to project-based pedagogy, offering scholars a platform for applying theoretical constructs and methodological adeptness in practical research scenarios, thereby fostering the maturation of astute and discerning sociological researchers.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
Demonstrate the comprehension of major concepts and methodological techniques.
Demonstrate the comprehension of using the library databases to gain access to peer-reviewed literature.
Demonstrate their understanding of, and skill with regard to citing peer-reviewed literature according to the prescribed APA format.
Synthesize peer-reviewed literature by writing a literature review.
Demonstrate their ability to evaluate and critique the related literature.
Demonstrate the ability to assess and evaluate the respective merits of particular methodological techniques.
Understand ethical issues when collecting sociological data.
Apply social scientific logic, reasoning, and theories.
Design an interesting and relevant research project.
Understand how research can lead to fascinating and impactful careers.
WEEK 1
Module 1
The Nature and Process of Social Research
Reference(s): PSR Ch1-3 and Ch17
Module 2
The Structuring of Inquiry: Quantitative and Qualitative I
Reference(s): PSR Ch4-5
Module 3
The Structuring of Inquiry: Quantitative and Qualitative II
Reference(s): PSR Ch6-7
Research Practice Session 1
Prepare the work schedule with an advisor.
Discuss research topics and data.
Initiate the research ethics application.
WEEK 2
Module 4
Experiments
Reference(s): PSR Ch8
Module 5
Survey Research
Reference(s): PSR Ch9
Module 6
Qualitative Field Research
Reference(s): PSR Ch10
Research Practice Session 2
Conduct a literature review.
WEEK 3
Module 7
Unobtrusive Research
Reference(s): PSR Ch11
Module 8
Evaluation Research
Reference(s): PSR Ch12
Module 9
Social Statistics
Reference(s): PSR Ch16
Research Practice Session 3
Initiate the research design.
WEEK 4
Module 7
Qualitative Data Analysis
Reference(s): PSR Ch13
Module 8
Quantitative Data Analysis
Reference(s): PSR Ch14
Module 9
The Logic of Multivariate Analysis
Reference(s): PSR Ch15
Research Practice Session 4
Initiate the research proposal.
WEEK 5
Research Practice Session 5-8
Finalize and review the research proposal.
PROFESSIONALISM
WEIGHT: 10.0%
DEADLINE: Sunday at 23:59 (GMT+0) of Week 5
All students are expected to participate in all types of classroom activities. Regular attendance is required in order to maximize the number of opportunities to engage in classroom activities. Marks are based on the quality of the contributions made rather than the quantity of posts submitted, comments made in class, etc.
Students are encouraged to exchange contact information and support one another should any classes be missed. They are advised to contact the course instructor about any concerns they may have.
END-OF-BLOCK QUIZ
WEIGHT: 20.0%
DEADLINE: 23:59 (GMT+0) on Sunday of Week 1-4
General Information
Each week from Week 1 to Week 4, students must complete one graded quiz with twenty (20) multiple-choice questions. These assessments aim to determine the level of comprehension and mastery of each week's material. The deadline to submit this assessment is always on Sunday at 23:59 (GMT+0) from Week 1 to Week 4. Quiz assignments are graded by computer, and the grade is stored in the online grade book. Only one 40-minute attempt per quiz is allowed.
END-OF-BLOCK QUIZ 1
Weight: 5.0%
Deadline: 23:59 (GMT+0) on Sunday of Week 1
END-OF-BLOCK QUIZ 2
Weight: 5.0%
Deadline: 23:59 (GMT+0) on Sunday of Week 2
END-OF-BLOCK QUIZ 3
Weight: 5.0%
Deadline: 23:59 (GMT+0) on Sunday of Week 3
END-OF-BLOCK QUIZ 4
Weight: 5.0%
Deadline: 23:59 (GMT+0) on Sunday of Week 4
LITERATURE REVIEW
WEIGHT: 20.0%
DEADLINE: Sunday at 23:59 (GMT+0) of Week 4
This must be four pages (approximately one thousand words), not including references, title page, and appendix. This assessment aims to prepare students for the Master's Research Project. The deadline to submit this assessment is always on Sunday at 23:59 (GMT+0) of Week 3. The grade is stored in the online grade book. As only one attempt per piece of coursework is allowed, it is highly recommended that students review all course materials and complete some test preparation tasks before attempting the graded assessment.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
WEIGHT: 50.0%
DEADLINE: Sunday at 23:59 (GMT+0) of Week 5
General Information
This must be eight pages (approximately two thousand words), not including references, title page, and appendix. This assessment aims to prepare students for the Master's Research Project. The deadline to submit this assessment is always on Sunday at 23:59 (GMT+0) of Week 5. The grade is stored in the online grade book. As only one attempt per piece of coursework is allowed, it is highly recommended that students review all course materials and complete some test preparation tasks before attempting the graded assessment.
PARTICIPATION POLICY
All students are required to participate in all classroom activities, attend classes regularly, and prepare before classes for classroom activities that require advance preparation. Students need to fully appreciate that good attendance results in more opportunities to engage in quality participation, which, in turn, results in a more thorough acquisition of subject knowledge and higher participation grades.
Participation in classroom discussions and other types of activities indicates that students have read the assigned readings. Grades will not be based on the number of posts submitted or comments made in the classroom but on the overall quality of contributions to discussions.
If a student is unable to attend 3 or more classes, he/she may be asked to complete additional assignments to complete the course.
Modes of Attendance
For the portions of the course that take place over Microsoft Teams: Students are required to arrive on time and engage appropriately with their fellow students, their teacher(s) and course materials. They must attend with a functional web camera and microphone, have the latest version of Microsoft Teams installed on their computers, avoid attending via a mobile phone or web browser, and have all necessary materials to hand. Also, their cameras must be always switched on, except for occasions when privacy becomes a necessity. In addition, they must be appropriately attired, attend in an environment that will not distract them, their fellow students or their teacher(s), especially avoiding attending while in a vehicle, whether moving or stationary.
For the on-campus portions of the course: The mandatory on-campus session meets as per the AUS Campus Schedule. Good attendance is required to earn credits and pass the course. Students are not permitted to arrive late for class or leave class early. Students traveling from far away locations must plan accordingly, giving themselves plenty of time to arrive by the start of class.
Classroom Expectations
Classes start and end on time, with late entry or reentry allowed only under exceptional circumstances. All phones and electronic devices must be turned off for the duration of a class.
GRADING
Students are expected to read assigned materials prior to class. Class discussions are based on their reading of these materials and their reflections on what they have learned and how these relate to their experiences. Assignments are intended to encourage students’ reflection on and synthesis of assigned topics and course discussions.
Assessments are listed in the course syllabus and are due by the stipulated deadlines. No assessment will be accepted after the day following the day it is due. If an assessment submission is one day late, it will receive an automatic reduction in grade of one letter (for example from an A to a B). After that, no late work will be accepted, and the student will receive an F grade for the assessment.
Late submission of papers must be approved in advance.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
Students are responsible for understanding the University Policies and how to use resources appropriately. Violations of academic integrity are taken very seriously. Students should revisit the materials on the Orientation session to review important information pertaining to academic citation and referencing rules.
STUDENT WELFARE AND PRIVACY POLICY
The university is committed to student welfare and accommodates students with disabilities and those who fall ill. Disability Services (DS) is responsible for accommodating students with disabilities. A student who wishes to be granted a special arrangement due to a disability or illness must request it through DS. Instructors cannot grant such requests without prior DS approval. DS should be contacted as soon as possible to avoid delays in the provision of such an arrangement.
Because the university takes student privacy very seriously, any medical documentation to support a request for an arrangement to accommodate any special needs connected with a disability or illness should be provided directly to DS. If a student misses any classes due to a short-term illness, he/she should notify his/her instructor, but avoid the inclusion of a doctor's note. Academic staff will not request, accept, or review doctor's notes or other forms of medical documentation. For more information, email DS@TheAUS.us.
USE OF COURSE MATERIALS AND LECTURES
Ethical considerations restrict how course materials and lectures may be used. Students may not post, publish, sell, or otherwise publicly distribute course materials without the written permission of the course instructor. Such materials include, but are not limited to, lecture notes, lecture slides, video and audio recordings, various types of assignments, examinations, other students’ work, and answer keys. In addition, students are not permitted to use materials prepared by faculty or students for courses that have previously taken place. These materials include, but are not limited to, case write-ups, Research Papers, summaries of readings, answers to Problem Sets, and answers to Academic Discussion topics. Furthermore, making video or audio recordings of class sessions for one’s own use without written permission from the instructor is not permitted. Infringements of the above-listed rules are taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary action, including a requirement to withdraw.
WEEKLY CLASS MEETINGS AND SYLLABUS
Additional information can be found on the course website.
Please note: the syllabus may be modified prior to and during a course, including updates to assignments and additional material.