50241 Theory and Method
8cpProfessional Strand – Social Inquiry – 100 level – Elective
This subject extends Introduction to Social Inquiry by more formally introducing a suite of methodologies commonly used in critically understanding the social world through the practice of research. The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with differing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods which engage researchers in contrasting ways of knowing and representing the social world. As a basic overview of the professional toolkit of the social researcher, the subject examines a range of rationales for research knowledge production including survey research, action research, ethnography and biography. These methodologies are examined for the knowledge assumptions which underpin them and the differing empirical scope and political purchase they promise. At all points students are engaged in reflexively 'theorising' the practice of social research, and also specifically engage key theoretical concepts as they analyse interview data produced as part of the practical activity of the subject.
Typical availability
Spring semester, City campus
Detailed subject description.
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