Applied Political Research

Subject MULT30018 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty contact hours per semester. 1 x 1.5 hour lecture and 1 x 1.5 hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 25 points of Level 1 Politics and International Studies (or approved IDF subjects), 37.5 points of Level 2 Politics and International Studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Levels 1 and 2 Politics and International Studies
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

To be advised
Subject Overview: This subject provides students with training in applied social science research methods appropriate for research in political analysis. Students will learn how to connect a research question with appropriate research design and methodology and acquire practical skills in utilising different research methods and tools, including analysing data and presenting results. The subject will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods and the practical skills to carry out political science research.
Objectives:
  • To develop an ability to relate different research questions to appropriate research methods
  • To develop a critical understanding of how different political research methods are executed
  • To develop practical experience in applying different research methods
  • To develop an understanding of the ethical issues associated with research
  • To develop the capacity to undertake and evaluate political science research.
Assessment:

1. A Short Research Design of 1000 words (30%) due early in the semester; 2. In Class Practical Tasks equivalent to 1000 words (30%) due Mid-Semester; 3. An Applied Research Assignment of 2000 words (40%) due during the examination period.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment or sit the final examination. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts: A reading pack will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • Understand methodologies and approaches to addressing contemporary political issues.
  • Be able to apply theories and methods in an integrated fashion to examine and explain issues in political science.
  • Apply critical thinking and analysis skills in relation to politics.
  • The ability to think in theoretical and applied terms about political issues.
  • Demonstrate written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent research in political science.
Notes:

MULT30018 Applied Political Research replaces POLS30005 as the Capstone subject in the Politics & International Studies major, Political Science major and International Studies major. This subject is only available to students majoring in the above-mentioned study areas and is not available as Breadth.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies

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