Critical Analytical Skills

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total of 120 hours

Completion of 25 points of first year Criminology, Sociology or Politics and International Studies OR 25 points of approved Arts Foundation/Interdisciplinary Foundation (IDF) subjects OR 25 points comprising of 12.5 points first year Criminology, Sociology or Politics and International Studies and 12.5 points comprising Arts Foundation/Interdisciplinary Foundation subjects.

Politics & International Studies or Criminology or Sociology at Level 1

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/

This subject introduces students to the fundamental analytic skills that are used in social science research. It provides an introduction to the theoretical and epistemological foundations of social science research, familiarises students with the different methods of inquiry in the social sciences and provides an overview of key historical and contemporary debates and trends. Different theoretical approaches and their associated methods of inquiry will be introduced through practical examples in order to show their strengths and limitations.

Upon successful completion of this subject students are expected to:

• Have a general understanding of the theoretical and epistemological foundations of social science research
• Have a general understanding of the historical and contemporary debates about social science research
• Be aware of the range of different methods of inquiry in the social sciences and how these relate to different theoretical perspectives in the social sciences
• Have the critical and analytical skills to read research papers in the social sciences and identify the theoretical approaches and methods of inquiry that are used
• Have a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical perspectives in the social sciences, and different methods of research (both qualitative and quantitative).

A short research essay of 1000 words (20%) due early-semester; In class practical tasks equivalent to 1000 words (30%) due during the semester; A research project assignment of 2000 words (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. 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.

Required readings will be available electronically via the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should:

• be able to apply critical research skills and methods to a field of inquiry;
• have considerable capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;
• have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.

MULT20003 Critical Analytical Skills is a compulsory subject for students majoring in Politics and International Studies, or Criminology, or Sociology.

This subject is also compulsory in the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Politics and International Studies), (Criminology), (Sociology).