IR3114 Critical Research Skills

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

A ballot system is in place.

Planned timetable

Monday 1pm - 2pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof A M S Watson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof A Watson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module builds on the highly successful Emerging Researchers Programme developed by the Third Generation Project, to provide a module for students with a strong interest in social justice issues and critical theory, as well as those intending to proceed to postgraduate education and/or enter into research/policy-oriented careers. Drawing from both non-Western and Western methodological frames, this module will provide students with a grounding in critical, participatory and anti-oppressive research methodologies that: question normative research processes; foreground the subjectivity of the researcher as a salient factor in research design; and engage in a progressive struggle to advance social justice aims. The module is divided into two parts.The first part is theoretical, whilst the second is focused upon developing on inclusive - and historically rooted - research practice, by focusing upon a number of justice struggles, including those chosen by students themselves.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2005 AND PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination =100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture (x10 weeks), 1 tutorial (x10 weeks), 3 x 2 hours media viewing

Intended learning outcomes

  • Evaluate individual pieces of research in light of their epistemological and ontological assumptions.
  • Identify and assess the contributions critical, participatory and anti-oppressive methodologies make to social research.
  • Outline and demonstrate critical awareness of the ways in which critical and anti-oppressive research methodologies contribute to collective emancipatory goals.
  • Apply key elements of critical and anti-oppressive research methodologies to allow students to develop their own approach to critical research.
  • Understand the role of historical dialogue and the ways in which historical narratives are used as part of contemporary justice struggles.