Master of Arts Integrated Studies (MAIS) 602
Researching Society and Culture (Revision 3)
Delivery Mode:Grouped study.
Credits:3
Area of Study:Integrated Studies 2
Centre:Master of Arts Integrated Studies
Program: Master of Arts Integrated Studies
**Note:Students in Group Study courses are advised that this syllabus
may vary in key details in each instance of the course. Always refer to
the Moodle site for the most up-to-date details on texts, assignment structure, and grading.**
Introduction
In the methods of inquiry course students examine a range of approaches to research in the social sciences and cultural studies. Different research methods and methodologies (quantitative / qualitative / feminist / ethnographic / deconstruction / discourse analysis / social history and more) are introduced and critically assessed. As well, students review a selection of books that take an integrative approach to inquiry. This is a required course.
Note: It is recommended that MAIS 601 and MAIS 602 be completed early in the program.
Course Objectives
The objectives for Researching Society and Culture are fivefold. The course provides
- an overview of various approaches to research (genres) that can be incorporated within integrated studies.
- critical discussion of epistemological issues, research ethics and data analysis.
- information and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research genres and methods at the introductory graduate level.
- further optional information about genres that can be used by students in their research projects.
- the opportunity to complete and reflect upon a research proposal at the graduate level.
Student Evaluation
In this foundation course, students will be assessed on a pass / fail basis. To pass this course, students must successfully complete the following activities and assignments:
| Course Activity | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Online participation in group discussion | 10% |
| Answering questions on epistemological issues (500 words) | 10% |
| A brief statement of a boundary-crossing research possibility (500-750 words) | 10% |
| A research proposal (3,000-3,500 words) | 25% |
| A review of a peer's research proposal (300-500 words) | 15% |
| Final proposal and reflections on the research process (4,000-4,500 words) | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Course Materials
The course materials for Master of Arts-Integrated Studies 602 include the items listed below. If you find that any of these items are missing from your course materials package, please contact Course Materials Production of Athabasca University at (780) 675-6366, or 1-800-788-9041, ext. 6366 (toll free from anywhere in Canada or the United States). You may also write in care of Athabasca University, 1 University Drive, Athabasca AB T9S 3A3; or direct your e-mail to cmat@athabascau.ca.
Textbook
- Seale, Clive, ed. Researching Society and Culture. London: Sage, 1998.
Athabasca University materials
Course Guide: contains the course introduction, objectives, reading assignments, participation activities, assignments and evaluation criteria, and other information students will need to complete the course successfully. The "Course Schedule" identifies the course activities and assignments that students are to follow each week. The Assignment File section at the back of the Course Guide explains the assignments you will have to complete to get credit for the course. Students should take time to review the information in this document in order to become familiar with the design of the course.
Reading File: The assigned readings, which supplement the course textbooks, are included in the Reading File. The Study Schedule in the Course Guide will direct you to each of the readings.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 3, April 11, 2007.
Last updated by E. Comrie 11/19/2010 16:55:43
