Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2012 - 2013
| Module Title |
Research Methodology
|
| Module Code |
LG528A
|
|
School |
School of Law & Government
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Online Module Resources
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| Module Co-ordinator | Prof Iain McMenamin | Office Number | CG19B |
|
NFQ level |
9 |
Credit Rating |
10
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|
Pre-requisite |
None
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|
Co-requisite |
None
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| Compatibles |
None
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| Incompatibles |
None
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Description
The aim of this module is to prepare you for the dissertation that you are required to complete as part of your MA programme. Research in international relations and political science can be done well and it can be done poorly. This course is about how to do good research, which would entail identifying interesting puzzles, formulating good and
doable
questions, gathering the right data in the right way, carefully defining and measuring concepts and variables, constructing and developing arguments, and structuring your thesis in a coherent manner. In all likelihood, if you focus on a specific and narrow topic of your choice and study it in depth, you will know more about this topic that anybody else, including your supervisor. However, it is research design that usually makes a difference between a good and bad dissertation, and your final mark will primarily be based on how you do your research rather than on what. Your dissertation counts for one-third of your total marks for the programme and it is extremely important to design your thesis well. The aim of this class is to help you meet the general requirements for a good thesis and to offer a menu of techniques which may be relevant for some theses.
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Learning Outcomes
1. identify research puzzles,
formulate good and `doable' research questions and transform them into a sophisticated research design.
2. produce research proposal for MA dissertation
3. be able to incorporate research design in her research papers throughout the year
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|
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| Workload |
Full-time hours per semester |
| Type |
Hours |
Description |
| Lecture | 24 | Lecture and student presentations | | Independent Study | 226 | No Description | | Total Workload: 250 |
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
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities
Establishing a Dissertation timetableWriting the thesis proposalResearch skillsinternet, databases, CD ROMs, OPACsUsing theory and models in empirical researchFirst steps in producing a literature review"
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| Assessment Breakdown | | Continuous Assessment | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% |
| Course Work Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Reassessment Requirement |
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component |
| Unavailable |
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources
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Programme or List of Programmes
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| Archives: | |
