Module: Guided Research Project

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Guided Research Project
Module Code	LG2180 (ITS) / POL1026 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Law & Government
Module Co-ordinator	Ross Carroll
Module Teachers	Jonathan Arlow, Roman-Gabriel Olar, Valesca Lima
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only
An independent study project of no more than 10,000 words on a topic of the student's choice

Description

The purpose of this module is to plan and complete a substantial piece of independent research on a topic relating to a contemporary issue in international relations. Students will explore and operationalise appropriate research design strategies and research methods. By the end of the course students should have a better understanding of what constitutes a substantial piece of research, how to begin and manage research projects, how to identify appropriate sources and what kind of problems might be encountered.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify, synthesise, and critically appraise academic and other relevant literature relating to topics in contemporary international relations.
2. Identify a range of research designs that can be used to address puzzles and problems in the study of international relations.
3. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research methods and specify rules for successful case selection.
4. Identify a range of sources appropriate to the completion of a research project.
5. Plan and manage their own work over a prescribed period.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	33	No Description
Independent Study	342	No Description
Total Workload: 375

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Research Design
This session aims to familiarise students with the process of developing research questions and hypothesis. It also explores a range of appropriate research strategies (cross-sectional/longitudinal studies, comparative, case studies).

Literature review
In this session students will learn how to find relevant secondary sources. The session also provides students with guidance on how to map the literature and locate their own project within their research area.

Writing up
This session focuses on how to structure the project. It also provides students with guidance for effective time management and for developing the habit of writing.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	An independent study project of no more than 10,000 words on a topic of the student s choice	100%	Week 24

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Smith, K., Todd, M. & Waldman, J.: 2009, Doing Your Undergraduate Social Science Dissertation, Routledge, London,
Baglione, L: 2006, Writing a Research Paper in Political Science, Wadsworth Publishing Co Inc, US,

Other Resources

None