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Module Code - Title:

PO6003 - FINAL PROJECT - MA COMMUNITY RESEARCH

Year Last Offered:

2023/4

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

0

Lab

0

Tutorial

0

Other

12

Private

28

Credits

24

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

The aim of the MA Community Research Final Project module is to generate a significant piece of student-directed independent research appropriate to the disciplinary major being taken by students on the MA Community Research programme. This may take the form of a standard dissertation, supervised by an academic member of staff, of approx. 10,000 words in length. Alternatively students may present a portfolio of academic work, supervised by an academic member of staff and of equivalent value to 24 ECTS.

Syllabus:

During the module the student produces a piece of supervised, self-directed research work of 8-10,000 words (under the guidance of a academic supervisor). The topic is chosen after consultation from a range of specialist supervision areas offered by departmental staff. When entering the programme, students will receive the exact dates and guidelines for submitting their proposals and final dissertation.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Learn how to develop a sound research design Learn how to plan, organize and carry out an independent piece of research work Collect, analyse and discuss relevant data Construct a coherent argument • Recognise key theorists associated with their chosen area of research. • Classify different theoretical positions within an adequate explanatory framework. • Apply theoretical positions to selected area for research. • Assess the relative contributions of the social, cultural, economic and political factors to their selected area of research.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Students on this module will learn to: Improve time-management Critically re-assess work Demonstrate professional work ethic Shows self-reliance when working independently. Cooperate in group activities (displays teamwork). Uses an objective approach in problem solving. Display a professional commitment to ethical practice on a daily basis. Revise judgments and change behaviour in light of new evidence.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Student will engage in one-to-one supervision sessions with relevant academic staff as required to direct their work. Students will already have learned about research design and delivery in their previous modules on Engaged Research Design and Engaged Research Delivery.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Hay, Colin (2002) Political analysis a critical introduction , Palgrave
Marsh, David and Stoker, Gerry (2002) Theory and Methods in Political Science , Palgrave
Goodson, Lisa and Phillimore, Jenny (2012) Community research for participation , Policy Press
Gray, C.J., Heffernan, J.M. and Norton, M.H. (2008) Partnerships that work. The stories and lessons from campus/community collaborations, , Campus Engage

Other Relevant Texts:

Moses, J.W. and Knutsen, T.L. (2007) Ways of Knowing. Competing methodologies in Social Science , Palgrave

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

MAHPPARFA - MASTERS OF ARTS POLITICS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Summer

Module Leader:

maura.adshead@ul.ie