Students

SOC 849 – Professional Internships in Social Research

2015 – S2 Day

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Maria Amigo
maria.amigo@mq.edu.au
Contact via maria.amigo@mq.edu.au
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
SOC830 or SOC831
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides students with experience undertaking applied or policy related research as part of a program of working within a research team or project in the field. Through on-campus workshops and a period of practical internship of approximately three weeks, students learn first-hand about social research and gain valuable experience undertaking social inquiry. Students should have completed at least one research methods unit prior to undertaking this unit, and enrol at least three months prior to the relevant study period in order to allow adequate preparation time. Students who enrol after teaching begins will not be guaranteed a place.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge and research methodologies learned in other units (SOC 224,SSC300, SOC 350) to a real work scenario. Produce a report that shows your ability to summarise, analyse, interpret and evaluate the information handled during the internship. Manage a research project following project management guidelines.
  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.
  • Appraise ethical research practices and ethical conduct at the workplace. Engage in ethical practices during the internship.
  • Develop an awareness of current ethical, social and environmental challenges, and how these present themselves at the workplace. Develop an understanding of the importance of becoming an active and engaged citizen.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Project Management Plan 20% See description
Engagement 20% ongoing
Supervisor's feedback report 20% N/A
Final Report 40% 13 November by 5 PM

Project Management Plan

Due: See description
Weighting: 20%

Produce a Project Management Plan (PMP) within the first 20 hours of placement. The PMP should have a title, should state the background, scope and purpose of the project, a detailed schedule of tasks to be completed, a plan for monitoring the project, and identification of stakeholders, milestones, risks and issues. The plan has to be discussed with the host supervisor. Specific information for this assignment, as well as a rubric that states the assessment criteria, will be available on iLearn.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge and research methodologies learned in other units (SOC 224,SSC300, SOC 350) to a real work scenario. Produce a report that shows your ability to summarise, analyse, interpret and evaluate the information handled during the internship. Manage a research project following project management guidelines.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.

Engagement

Due: ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Engagement throughout the semester will be assessed based on a) Online discussions d) Presentation to class and partners in workshop 4. Specific guidelines for forum questions and presentations, as well as a rubric that states the marking criteria, will be available on iLearn.  Class attendance and class participation in associated tasks will also impact on the final mark for engagement. Class attendance is compulsory.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.
  • Appraise ethical research practices and ethical conduct at the workplace. Engage in ethical practices during the internship.
  • Develop an awareness of current ethical, social and environmental challenges, and how these present themselves at the workplace. Develop an understanding of the importance of becoming an active and engaged citizen.

Supervisor's feedback report

Due: N/A
Weighting: 20%

Your workplace supervisor will be requested to complete a form at the end of your placement to provide detailed feedback on your performance. A sample of the assessment criteria for your supervisor to provide feedback on your performance will be available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.
  • Appraise ethical research practices and ethical conduct at the workplace. Engage in ethical practices during the internship.

Final Report

Due: 13 November by 5 PM
Weighting: 40%

The final assignment will consist of a report on the internship which will consist of information about the organisation and your project, examples of work completed, and a section reflecting on the experience. Specific information for this assignment, as well as a rubric that states the assessment criteria, will be available on iLearn.

 

 

 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge and research methodologies learned in other units (SOC 224,SSC300, SOC 350) to a real work scenario. Produce a report that shows your ability to summarise, analyse, interpret and evaluate the information handled during the internship. Manage a research project following project management guidelines.
  • Develop an awareness of current ethical, social and environmental challenges, and how these present themselves at the workplace. Develop an understanding of the importance of becoming an active and engaged citizen.

Delivery and Resources

Delivery and Resources

Unit Requirements

The unit has an academic component (delivered through 5 workshops) and a practical component (students' research work for an organisation)

For the academic component students will be required to:

  1. Submit the required assessment tasks in a timely manner.
  2. Complete all the required readings for the unit.
  3. Contribute to online discussions and activities.
  4. Deliver a presentation to the rest of the classroom and other invitees including partner organisations in Workshop 4.

For the practical component students will be required to:

  1. Define a work schedule with their host supervisors and commit to it.
  2. Work on a research project according to the research plan they discuss with their supervisors.
  3. Submit a final output of the research project to their organisations.

Assignment Submission and return of marked work

The Project Management Plan and Final Report are to be submitted via the Turnitin function inside the ilearn site. Likewise, marked work will be returned to students electronically via ilearn. Grademark will be used to mark students' work. 

Online forum discussions will be rated within each forum. Students will get a mark out of 100 for each posting and can refer to the relevant rubric (Engagement rubric) to understand why they received that rating.

Late submissions, Special Consideration and Extensions

Please email the unit convenor if you find yourself unable to meet the submission dates for assessments. For all written assessment tasks, the Sociology Department applies the following penalties for late work (without an extension): 5% for the first day, then 1% for each subsequent day late. Online forum postings that are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Technology

SOC 301 iLearn Site. Learning and Teaching resources, assessment guidelines, and links to individual learning modules will be on SOC301’s iLearn page. You will also use the discussion boards to keep in touch with other students and share your experiences of your internship placement.

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic honesty is an integral part of the core values and principles contained in the Macquarie University Ethics Statement (http://www.mq.edu.au/ethics/ethic-statement-final.html). Its fundamental principle is that all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:

  • All academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim.

  • All academic collaborations are acknowledged.

  • Academic work is not falsified in any way

  • When the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately.

The link below has more details about the policy, procedure and schedule of penalties that will apply to breaches of the Academic Honesty policy.

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

University Grading Policy

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

The grade a student receives will signify the overall performance in meeting the learning outcomes of a unit of study. Grades will not be awarded by reference to the achievement of other students nor allocated to fit a predetermined distribution. In determining a grade, due weight will be given to the learning outcomes and level of a unit (ie 100, 200, 300, 800 etc). Graded units will use the following grades:

HD      High Distinction         85-100

D         Distinction                 75-84

Cr        Credit                        65-74

P         Pass                         50-64

F          Fail                            0-49

 

REQUIRED  READINGS

The works listed below are required for specific workshops and online forum contributions. All readings will be available through e-Reserve.

Boud, D. (2001), Using journal writing to enhance reflective practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 2001: 9–18. doi: 10.1002/ace.16

CDRI (2013). Research Project Development and Management: A Handbook. Phnom Penh, Cambodia CDRI. Chapter One: Conceptualising the Research Project: Pages 9-24.

Guillemin, M. & Gillam, L. (2004) “Ethics, reflexivity, and “ethically important moments” in research”, Qualitative Inquiry, 10(2): 261-280.

Thomas, D. R., & Hodges, I. D. (2010). Managing a Research Project in Designing and Managing Your Research Project: Core Skills for Social and Health Research (pp. 131-148). London, SAGE Publications.

Thomas, D. R., & Hodges, I. D. (2010). Communicating Research Findings in Designing and Managing Your Research Project: Core Skills for Social and Health Research (175-189). London, SAGE Publications.

Wadsworth, Y (2010). Some Introductory Foundations for Building On in Building in Research and Evaluation: Human Inquiry for Living Systems (pp 1-18). Crows Nest, Action Research Press and Allen & Unwin

 

RECOMMENDED READINGS

The following readings will enhance your understanding of the topics that underpin this unit. Except for the first resource listed which will be made available on iLearn, all readings can be obtained via e-Reserve.

CDRI (2013). Research Project Development and Management: A Handbook. Phnom Penh, Cambodia CDRI.

Ghaye, T. (2010). "In what ways can reflective practices enhance human flourishing?" Reflective practice 11(1): 1-7.

Jordi, R. (2010). Reframing the concept of reflection: Consciousness, experiential learning, and reflective learning practices. Adult Education Quarterly, 0741713610380439.

Kolb, A. and David A. Kolb (2005). “Learning Styles and Learning Spaces: Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education”. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4:2, 193-212.

Moon, J.A. (2004). A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory and practice. London: Routledge. (Chapters  6, 8;  and Resource  2 –p187-189-, and Resource 7 –p 210-211)

Ramos, M. J. (2004). Drawing the lines. Working Images. Visual Research and Representation in Ethnography.

Rarieya, Jane. "Promoting and investigating students' uptake of reflective practice: a Pakistan case." Reflective practice 6.2 (2005): 285-294.

Thorpe, K. (2004): “Reflective learning journals: From concept to practice”, Reflective Practice: International and Multidisciplinary Perspectives, 5:3, 327-343.

 

 

 

 

Unit Schedule

For this unit you will be working between 100 and 150 hours for or with an organisation. Some students will be based at the host organisations, others will be able to complete part or most of their work from home or campus.

The internship is supported by 5 compulsory on-campus two-hour workshops (Weeks 1-3, 12-13). This component of the internship is as important as the professional work-based component.

Workshops will take place on Fridays from 2-4 at a location TBA.

 

Workshop 1

31 July

Managing a Research Project

Workshop 2

7 July

Professional and Research Ethics

Workshop 3

14 July 

Reflective Practice

Workshop 4

30 October

Communicating Research

Workshop 5

6 November

Pursuing a Career in Social Research

 

 

 

 

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.
  • Appraise ethical research practices and ethical conduct at the workplace. Engage in ethical practices during the internship.
  • Develop an awareness of current ethical, social and environmental challenges, and how these present themselves at the workplace. Develop an understanding of the importance of becoming an active and engaged citizen.

Assessment tasks

  • Supervisor's feedback report
  • Final Report

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply knowledge and research methodologies learned in other units (SOC 224,SSC300, SOC 350) to a real work scenario. Produce a report that shows your ability to summarise, analyse, interpret and evaluate the information handled during the internship. Manage a research project following project management guidelines.
  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.

Assessment tasks

  • Project Management Plan
  • Supervisor's feedback report
  • Final Report

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply knowledge and research methodologies learned in other units (SOC 224,SSC300, SOC 350) to a real work scenario. Produce a report that shows your ability to summarise, analyse, interpret and evaluate the information handled during the internship. Manage a research project following project management guidelines.
  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.
  • Appraise ethical research practices and ethical conduct at the workplace. Engage in ethical practices during the internship.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • Supervisor's feedback report
  • Final Report

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply knowledge and research methodologies learned in other units (SOC 224,SSC300, SOC 350) to a real work scenario. Produce a report that shows your ability to summarise, analyse, interpret and evaluate the information handled during the internship. Manage a research project following project management guidelines.
  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.

Assessment tasks

  • Project Management Plan
  • Supervisor's feedback report
  • Final Report

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.

Assessment tasks

  • Project Management Plan
  • Engagement
  • Supervisor's feedback report
  • Final Report

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Participate meaningfully as a member of an organisation that engages in social, quality assurance, or policy related research. Develop a critically reflective practice on the experience of the work placement and the research process. Produce a reflective account of the work experience.
  • Demonstrate initiative and self-sufficiency during the placement.
  • Appraise ethical research practices and ethical conduct at the workplace. Engage in ethical practices during the internship.
  • Develop an awareness of current ethical, social and environmental challenges, and how these present themselves at the workplace. Develop an understanding of the importance of becoming an active and engaged citizen.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • Final Report