CS241-5-__ : Doing Interdisciplinary Research for a BA Dissertation: Approaches, Methods, Practice

MODULE OUTLINE

Doing research is fun, and the BA dissertation can be the most rewarding part of your degree. It’s an opportunity to pursue your own interests and investigate a topic that really inspires you. CS241 is designed to help you develop your dissertation ideas and give you the methodological tools for doing research in a systematic and imaginative way. By the end of the module you will have designed a research project, written a detailed proposal, and be ready to start collecting data. Even if you decide not to do a dissertation your CS241 research training will stand you in good stead for doing research in the future, whether in post-graduate study or future careers. CS241 is complemented by CS831 The Dissertation Seminar, which runs in the final year and provides support and advice on analysing your data and dissertation writing.

MODULE ORGANISATION

CS241 comprises nine two-hour sessions, a group tutorial, and a final workshop. Most sessions combine lecturing, research exercises, and discussion. You are expected to attend all sessions, do the set readings and assignments, and participate actively in seminar discussion. There is no exam for this module; it is assessed on coursework only. Overall you should devote about 6 hours a week to module preparation and assignments.

AIMS

The aims of this module are:

    • To prepare ISC students for carrying out research for their final year BA dissertations.

    • To introduce students to the principles of research design, and a range of methods and sources appropriate for interdisciplinary research.

    • To provide students with a general orientation to the practical problems they are likely to encounter during their dissertation research.

    • To provide students with transferable research skills relevant to future careers.



LEARNING OUTCOMES

    • By the end of this module the student should have:



      • A grasp of the principles of research design and proposal writing

      • Understanding of how to use qualitative research methods in a systematic way

      • An understanding of what constitutes a feasible, ethical, BA research project

      • A knowledge of relevant concepts and terms