Introduction to Research for Community Development EDUC3081

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Education
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

This course will introduce students to new ideas, concepts, and questions in relation to research within community contexts.

Timetable

A series of 5 sessions of 4 hours each

Requirements of Entry

Successful completion of level 2 or equivalent.

Excluded Courses

none

Co-requisites

none

Assessment

Assignment ONE - Blog and tweet (30%)

Identify and share a 'research problem' that relates to any aspect or stage of doing community-based research. The research problem should relate to the practicalities or ethical concerns of doing research and be written in the form of (a) a 400 word or 1 A4 page 'blog entry' which sets out the (imagined) problem that is faced AND (b) a 140-character 'tweet' which sums up either your problem or your frustration with it. In addition to text, hyperlinks, images and other media can be used - creativity is encouraged!

 

Assignment TWO - Essay (70%)

Write a 1,500-word essay on the topic of research for, with and of Community Development. The essay should critically engage with selected methods for doing community-based research or research in the field of community development, making reference to specific examples of existing empirical research to illustrate your argument.

Course Aims

This course will introduce students to new ideas, concepts, and questions in relation to research within community contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

LO 1 / Describe what research is and why it exists; and critically engage with how research can impact social structures and social change.

LO 2 / Demonstrate and relate to a variety of theoretical and practical approaches to community-based research.

LO 3 / Relate your understanding and skills in research to your own roles and practices in community development.

LO 4 / Adhere to academic conventions.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

80% attendance