units

EDF6005

Faculty of Education

13 February 2012 13 February 2012

Postgraduate - Unit

print version

12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

LevelPostgraduate
FacultyFaculty of Education
OfferedClayton First semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Clayton First semester 2012 (Evening)
Clayton Second semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2012 (Evening)
Coordinator(s)Dr Cynthia Joseph (Sem 1 & 2, Evening, Clayton); Mr Damon Anderson (Sem 1, Off-campus, Clayton); Dr Angie Mornane (Sem 2, Off-campus, Clayton)

Synopsis

The unit consists of two modules. Module 1 provides an overview of significant debates about the nature of knowledge and different research approaches in the fields of social science and education, including ethical issues in research. Module 2 is designed to develop students' ability to identify and interpret research literature across a range of academic genres, including the processes of locating and retrieving research literature.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit students should be able to:

  • understand different research perspectives and methodologies in the field of education and social sciences;
  • have an awareness of their ethical responsibilities when undertaking research;
  • reflect on the meanings and motivations they bring to the research endeavour;
  • perceive the interconnections between research questions, data forums, research methodologies and methods
  • formulate research questions and link these to designs;
  • systematically identify and locate a range of research literature on a topic of interest to them;
  • interpret and critically evaluate this literature with respect to its usefulness in a specific setting (typically the students' own work setting or focus of study);
  • engage with a range of conventions and stylistic features of academic writing; prepare a summary of the implications of this literature in a selected academic genre.

Assessment

Two research papers tailored to the needs of the student group, together comprising 8000 words.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Cynthia Joseph (Module 1 & 2)

Contact hours

3 hours per week