MODULE SPECIFICATION

- 9. The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- 1. Work with theoretical and conceptual knowledge at the forefront of the discipline.
- 2. Have developed a comprehensive and critical understanding of methods in the discipline
- 3. Analyse complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge in the discipline
- 4. Have developed a level of conceptual understanding enabling them to critically evaluate research, advanced scholarship and methodologies and to propose alternative approaches
- 5. Be reflective and self-critical in their research work

## 6. Be able to engage in academic and professional communication.

- 10. A synopsis of the curriculum
- This module builds on and applies the skills and learning outcomes attained in Stage 1 of all PGT courses, and in particular Research Methods 1 & 2. It does so through the assessment of individual MA thesis projects, including via oral presentation and a final thesis document. This dissertation forms a major assessed element of the Masters course and is on a topic that falls within the scope of your MA. The overall goal is to help you move through the components of the dissertation, including the actual research as well as presenting and writing up your findings.
- 11. Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
- • Cottrell, Dissertation and Project Reports: a Step by Step Guide, Palgrave 2014 • Cottrell, Dissertation and Project Reports: a Step by Step Guide, Palgrave 2014
- • Biggam, Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: a Step by Step Handbook, Open • Biggam, Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: a Step by Step Handbook, Open University Press, 2011 (2nd edition)
- • J. Smith, Social Science in Question, London: Sage, 2003 • J. Smith, Social Science in Question, London: Sage, 2003
- • Bryman, Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press, 2012 (4th edition) • Bryman, Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press, 2012 (4th edition)
- • Marsh and Gerry Stoker, Theory and Methods in Political Science, Basingstoke: Palgrave • Marsh and Gerry Stoker, Theory and Methods in Political Science, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010 (3rd edition)
- • Burnham, Karin Gilland, Wyn Grant, and Zig Layton-Henry, Research Methods in Politics, • Burnham, Karin Gilland, Wyn Grant, and Zig Layton-Henry, Research Methods in Politics, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008 (2nd edition)
- • King, Robert O. Keohane, and Sidney Verba, Designing Social Inquiry: Scientific Inference in • King, Robert O. Keohane, and Sidney Verba, Designing Social Inquiry: Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1994
- • C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, The Craft of Research, Chicago • C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, The Craft of Research, Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 2008 (3rd edition)
- • Erik Rudestam and Rae R. Newton, Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to • Erik Rudestam and Rae R. Newton, Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process, London: Sage, 2007 (3rd edition)
- • Wisker, The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD, • Wisker, The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD, Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2007 (2nd edition)
- 12. Learning and teaching methods

Total contact hours: 13 Private study hours: 587 Total study hours: 600

POLI9660 (PO966) Research Methods Training II (Marburg)