SO476     
Researching Migration: research questions and research methods

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Patrick McGovern STC.S110

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in International Migration and Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

Having introduced the students to a range of possible research strategies, the students will be asked to prepare informal seminar presentations on their proposed research in the MT and LT. In addition, they will submit a one hundred word topic summary towards the end of the MT and a 400 word research proposal before the end of the LT. They will also prepare and deliver a formal presentation on their research for a workshop early in the ST. At each stage, participants will be encouraged to use feedback from the course convenors and fellow students to revise their research plans. A final proposal will be submitted after the ST workshop.

Teaching

Lectures 3 x 1 hour (3); Seminars 2 x 2 hours (4); Workshop 5 hours (5). Total 12 hours

Teaching arrangements may be adjusted if online teaching is required at any point.

Reading Weeks: Students on this course will have a reading week in MT Week 6 and LT Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 3 presentations in the MT, LT and ST.

Indicative reading

Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods, H62 B91; Gilbert, N. (ed.) (2008) Researching Social Life H62 R 43; Hancke, R. (2009) Intelligent Research Design: A Guide for Beginning Students in the Social Sciences, H62 H23;  Landman, T. (2007) Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics, JF51 L25; Silverman, D. (2002) Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook H62 S58.

Assessment

This course is not assessed.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Sociology

Total students 2019/20: 50

Average class size 2019/20: 14

Controlled access 2019/20: Yes

Value: Non-credit bearing

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills