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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Dissertation Preparation
Module Code LC576A
School SALIS
Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This module will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct a research project, such as a Masters dissertation. It will introduce them to a variety of research methods and examine the suitability of different methods for specific reseach questions.

Learning Outcomes
1. Design a dissertation research project
2. Formulate a workable research question and, where appropriate a research hypothesis, which is framed within a specific context
3. Operationalise relevant key concepts in a way which demonstrates a critical awareness of the challenges associated with this process
4. Conduct a rigorous literature review relevant to the research concern
5. Choose a research approach which is appropriate to the research question
6. Critically reflect on the research process, including their own position in relation to the study
7. Design and apply specific data collection methods and tools which are in line with the chosen methodology
8. Analyse collected data in a rigorous and transparent fashion
9. Display an awareness of the ethical issues associated with conducting research
10. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars10Interactive group sessions
On-line learning20Independent and group activity through moodle
Moodle discussion4Peer-learning using moodle
Independent learning time91Independent learning involving engagement with class materials, exploration of research ideas and development of research proposal
Total Workload: 125

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Course Outline.
This module will be structured around a series of seminars and online tutorials and interactive sessions designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete a dissertation.

Readings.
In addition to the resources listed below, a detailed list of books, articles and other relevant sources will be provided to students via Moodle..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentThe development of a cogent and thorough research proposal for their dissertation100%Sem 2 End
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
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Creswell, J.: 1998, Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Traditions, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA,
  • Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln Y.S.: 2005, The handbook of qualitative research, 3rd, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA,
  • Kane, E. and O’Reilly-De Brún, M.: 2001, Doing your own research, Marion Goyas, London,
  • Miles, M.B. and Huberman, A.M.: 1994, Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook, 2nd, Sage, Newbury Park, CA,
  • Nardi, P. M.: 2003, Doing survey research : a guide to quantitative methods, Allyn and Bacon, Boston,
  • Teddlie, C. and Tashakkori, A.: 2009, Foundations of mixed methods research: integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques in the social and behavioral sciences, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
MAISMA in Intercultural Studies
Timetable this semester: Timetable for LC576A
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