Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module HUSS2111: METHODS AND ANALYSIS II: RESEARCH PROJECT

Department: Anthropology (Human Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

HUSS2111: METHODS AND ANALYSIS II: RESEARCH PROJECT

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2009/10 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to C1L6
Tied to B991
Tied to L600

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • Full-time students: Methods and Analysis I. Part-time students will be guided by the Degree Director.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To encourage students to develop methodological skills and insights into the application of theory through collaborative research projects.

Content

  • Group research projects will be planned and started in classes in the first term.
  • Projects will normally be carried out in the sub-field appropriate to the student's chosen degree pathway.
  • In other words, students will be directed towards topics in the fields of biological anthropology, social anthropology and medical anthropology according to their degree designation.
  • In the second term students will receive supervision, support and guidance from appropriately qualified staff in the use of methods pertinent to their project.
  • Classes will be used to encourage groups to focus on a research topic, develop a research question in the relevant sub-field, choose a research strategy, deal with the practical contingencies of research, collect and analyse data and report the findings.
  • Students will also be expected to locate their own area of research within a wider theoretical framework.
  • During the first term students will be required to keep an individual research journal documenting their reflections on, and the progress of, the project.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • In undertaking an extended, collaborative research project, students are expected to reach a sound, empirically grounded understandingof their subject.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Participant observation.
  • Formal and informal interviewing.
  • Administering questionnaires.
  • Discourse analysis.
  • Statisical analysis.
Key Skills:
  • Communication (the ability to discuss and present research findings).
  • Working with others (in carrying out a collaborative research project).
  • Improving own learning/performance (through the creation of a research journal and regular engagement with staff and peers).

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Tutorials
  • Seminars
  • Research Journal
  • Research Project.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 12 Weekly 1 hour 12
Seminars 5 Fortnightly 2 hour 10
Preparation and Reading 178
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Research Journal Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
research journal of 4000 words 100%
Component: Research Project Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
presentation 40%
written report of around 6000 words 60%

Formative Assessment:

Early journal entries submitted and returned with comments and project proposal.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University