Module FOUD0407: Extended Project – Social Sciences

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0407: Extended Project – Social Sciences

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• • Academic Practice in Social Sciences

Excluded Combination of Modules

• • Key Skills and Language for Higher Education • Academic Practice in Arts & Humanities • Extended Project – Arts & Humanities • Extended Essay - History • Preparation for Academic Study in English

Aims

• To allow students to work in some depth (with supervision) to produce an independently researched study of a selected specialist topic in the area of their progression route based on the collection of primary data;

Content

• Identify a topic which can be focused under supervision;
• Construct an action plan for the collection of primary data;
• Keep a reflective diary for meeting with academic advisor to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses;
• Produce an extensive bibliography of different types of sources which will include primary and secondary;
• Outline a research proposal for discussion and agreement with advisor;
• Carry out individual research of specific subject area;
• Produce final extended project.

Learning Outcomes

• Having completed the project students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an ability to formulate a research question in relation to a chosen area of study (SK1);
• Demonstrate knowledge of the particular issues associated with their research question (SK2);
• Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate research methodology (SK3).

• Having completed the project the student will be able to demonstrate a capacity to:
• Evaluate arguments and evidence (SS1);
• Analyse key issues relating to their chosen topic (SS2);
• Be able to present information according to the methods relevant to their subject area (SS3);
• Be able to construct academic arguments using a range of sources (SS4);
• Apply appropriate research methodology (SS5).

• Having completed the project the student will be able to:
• Communicate ideas in writing effectively (KS1);
• Demonstrate a range of numeracy skills where appropriate (KS2);
• Demonstrate a capacity to compile appropriate bibliographies using a range of online search tools and web-based resources (KS3).
• Develop independent learning (KS4).

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

• The module is designed to encourage independent learning and the production of an extended project in a selected specialist area.
• Students will develop their research skills through a series of meetings with their academic advisor;
• Students will be expected to keep a formative reflective diary to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses to improve development;
• Students will be expected to follow an action plan to ensure they adhere to a strict timetable;
• Extended project will assess all learning outcomes;
• Project reflection will assess KS4.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

• Action Plan • Research Proposal • Questionnaire or Interview Schedule (as applicable) • Bibliography • Reflective diary

■ 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