Methodology and Research Writing in Social Science - 2nd year
Provides students with an opportunity to produce a major research paper. Through lecture and discussion students will be introduced to social and global issues from a social science perspective. Research skills such as identification of problems and solutions, use of data, and research paper writing will be covered.
Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Develop ability to produce a major research paper;
2. Discuss social and global issues in a critical manner;
3. Identify causes of social and global issues and present viable approaches to cope with them;
4. Employ data appropriate to their research;
5. Identify and develop their academic interests.
Topics:
Course topics will include the following:
1. A series of lectures which cover basic social science methodology, social science philosophy, major concepts in social science, and major social and global issues.
Method of Instruction:
1. Lecture
2. Group Discussion
3. Research Progress Presentations
4. On-site Library Research
Types of Assignments:
1. Course Readings
2. Research or Reading Progress Reports
3. Final Research Paper
4. Oral Presentation
Sample Text:
1. Finsterbusch, Kurt. Taking Sides, Clashing Views on Controversial Social Issues. 13th ed. Guilford, Connecticut: McGraw Hill, 2005.
2. Harf, James and Mark Lombardi. Taking Sides, Clashing Views on Controversial Global Issues. 3rd ed. Guilford, Connecticut: McGraw Hill, 2005.
