Master of Arts Integrated Studies (MAIS) 602

Introduction

In this 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.

In the Master of Arts- Integrated Studies 602: Researching Society and Culture course you will have the opportunity to learn about various approaches to research and to propose an integrated study of your own.

Course Activities

• reading and writing about various research methods
• discussing these methods online with your professor and your fellow students
• preparing a draft proposal for your research
• giving and receiving feedback on research proposals
• submitting a revised and enlarged final draft of your proposal

Throughout the course you will be encouraged to work across disciplinary boundaries, so that your work becomes an interdisciplinary, integrated project. The course is designed in the hope that you will learn something new, challenge yourself, engage with your colleagues in the course, and have fun.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to

1. critically discuss various characteristics of interdisciplinary research.
2. describe the operation of various research perspectives and methods that can be incorporated within integrated studies at an introductory graduate level.
3. critically discuss data analysis and research ethics.
4. analyze data.
5. evaluate research proposals and published research.
6. write a proposal for a master's level research project.

Student Evaluation

In this foundation course, you will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. To help you to plan your study schedule, each assignment is weighted proportionally-see below for a percentage breakdown. For descriptions of the assignments and instructions on how to complete them, please see the "Assignment File" section of the Course Guide.

To pass MAIS 602: Researching Society and Culture, you will be required to successfully complete each of the following activities:

1. mandatory participation in online discussions
2. a preliminary suggestion and justification of your interdisciplinary research question (up to 1000 words)
3. a research proposal draft (about 3,500 words)
4. a peer review of a research proposal (about 750–1000 words)
5. a final research proposal with reflections on what you have learned (5,000–7,000 words)

Please note that your work on each assignment will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Your professor will also give you an indication of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement for each assignment. This evaluation process is intended to assist you in achieving greater competency as you progress through each stage of the course. Try to focus on your learning, rather than on how that learning is assessed.

The below weightings suggest an approximate percentage of the work in the course that you should devote to each activity. However, this will vary among students.