Students
SOC 899 – Master of Research - Sociology
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Raj Velayutham
Raj Velayutham
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
32
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The 800-level components of the Master of Research are not designed around units. The thesis together with four core research activities form a single coherent research unit based on individual research plans and will consists of the followings:
1. Research Frontiers 2: you will attend a number of department or faculty-run sessions and engage in a program of activities developing your knowledge of the sub-disciplinary field in which you want to situate your own research
2. Literature Review: you will attend sessions explaining how researchers in your field engage with previous research literature, and produce a draft of your own literature review for your thesis
3. Research Methods: with other students and led by academic staff, you will develop the research methods you will use in your research project
4. Research Planning: through a combination of group sessions and individual work with your supervision team, you will develop a plan for a large scale research project, part of which will be completed in the MRes
5. Thesis: you will complete a small research project, and write it up in a short thesis of about 20,000 words.
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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:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to define a specific academic discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the historical development of the discipline in which the project is being undertaken.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
General Assessment Information
Some of these assessments contribute towards your final grade for the MRES, others are milestones that must be completed satisfactorily to allow your further progression and final submission of the MRES thesis in October.
Assessments with 0% assigned to them are ‘milestone’ assessments used to monitor progress; students cannot graduate unless they have satisfactorily completed all of the milestone assessments.
Assessment deadlines and tasks may be updated throughout the year so keep checking online in the ilearn space to stay abreast of any updates.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conference presentation | 5% | No | At Conference |
| Written Report | 5% | No | 1 week after conference |
| Draft Literature Review | 0% | No | 26 May 2017 |
| Methods Report | 0% | No | 9 June 2017 |
| Thesis submission | 90% | No | Date advised |
| PhD Proposal | 0% | No | End of semester 2 |
Conference presentation
Due: At Conference
Weighting: 5%
Students will give an oral presentation (value 5% of overall MRes grade) of 10 minutes at the Faculty conference in which they will:
- Briefly outline their MRes Research Project
- Identify and describe the broader field and/or discipline in which their project sits, noting the key research questions that guide researchers in the field.
- Describe how their own project is situated in relation to the discipline (and/or sub-discipline), relevant key thinkers and questions.
- Identify any relevant sub-disciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary initiatives and directions that have moved researchers into new areas of investigation/analysis.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to define a specific academic discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the historical development of the discipline in which the project is being undertaken.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Written Report
Due: 1 week after conference
Weighting: 5%
One week after the conference presentation you will submit a 3000 word report (value 5% of overall MRes grade) to their MRES director. This will consist of two parts. The first part will consist of the paper as presented at the Faculty conference. The length of this part of the report will not exceed 2500 words. The second part of the report will be a 500 word reflection on the conference.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to define a specific academic discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the historical development of the discipline in which the project is being undertaken.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Draft Literature Review
Due: 26 May 2017
Weighting: 0%
As part of your thesis, you will survey the current literature relating to your individual research project. This assessment is designed to give you a framework within which to complete this component of your thesis, A draft literature review or survey must be submitted to your supervisor for comment by the deadline listed above. The length of the literature review is dependent on the discipline/sub-discipline, and this draft will act as part of the final thesis, where it will be assessed.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to define a specific academic discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the historical development of the discipline in which the project is being undertaken.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Methods Report
Due: 9 June 2017
Weighting: 0%
The research methods program builds on the skill-based units undertaken in year one of the MRes – for year 2 direct entry candidates this is even more important as you may not have had this recent recap on methodology and project design. Remember the activities you undertake in research methodology must also be supported by regular contact with your supervisors – combined, this will equip the candidates with all the relevant skills to conduct their thesis research.
Assessment: Students will be expected to complete all three components of the Research Methods program (i.e.: Research Diary; Oral Report and Methods Report). The Methods report will be no less than 2,000 words and will be graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory. The final methods written report is due approximately one week after the workshop session and must be submitted to the MRes Year 2 Convenor for comment by the deadline listed above.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Thesis submission
Due: Date advised
Weighting: 90%
Candidates are expected to complete a significant individual research project of their own design in order to demonstrate individual research capability to conduct major (PhD) research project.
Candidates will prepare a thesis equivalent to 15,000-20,000 words, subject to disciplinary standards, equivalent to a research paper published in a high impact (first quartile) journal in the appropriate discipline.
The thesis will be due on the date advised by the HDRO.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of the historical development of the discipline in which the project is being undertaken.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
PhD Proposal
Due: End of semester 2
Weighting: 0%
The PhD proposal may build on the MRes thesis (as a foundation for future research), but it should also offer a focus, topic and/or set of research questions distinct from the MRES thesis. You cannot simply replicate the MRES thesis plan that many of you developed in Research Frontiers 1. You are required to build a new proposal using your current research as a point of departure, with a focus on a related but distinct aspect of related sociological research.
To meet these requirements you should aim to:
· Identify the general research topic by April 1st in advance of the departmental workshop. Students should discuss this with their supervisors throughout the year to prepare.
- Draft a major (3.5 years) research project concept by May 1st
o Aims and background
- Significance and innovation
- Budget and justification
- Ethics proposal (if appropriate)
- Complete a detailed Final Major Project / PHD Proposal. To be submitted before November 30th
o Additionally, candidates are expected to present their proposal according to ARC/NHMRC project grant guidelines.
o Templates and examples may be available. Check back in ilearn regularly for updates.
All these items must be submitted to your supervisor for comment by the deadlines above.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Delivery and Resources
Macquarie University provides a range of learning skills support and training to assist research candidates in developing essential skills in academic literacy, research methods and professional development. Most of these resources are free for current MQ MRes candidates; for those which attract a fee, interested candidates should consult their department about funding options, e.g. using research training funds. In addition to seeking advice from their supervisors, candidates should explore the options below.
For a listing of the current HDR courses and workshops, please go to hdrworkshops.mq.edu.au
Other HDR Training Opportunities
Please see the HDR Learning Support Page
Unit Schedule
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Topic |
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Methods Workshop One |
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Literature Review Workshop |
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Research Planning |
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Sociology as a Discipline |
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Department Pre-conference Presentation |
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Methods Workshop Two |
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PhD Proposal |
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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to define a specific academic discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the historical development of the discipline in which the project is being undertaken.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Conference presentation
- Written Report
- Draft Literature Review
- Methods Report
- Thesis submission
- PhD Proposal
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
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to define a specific academic discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the historical development of the discipline in which the project is being undertaken.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Conference presentation
- Written Report
- Draft Literature Review
- Methods Report
- Thesis submission
- PhD Proposal
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
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to define a specific academic discipline.
- Demonstrate awareness of the historical development of the discipline in which the project is being undertaken.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Conference presentation
- Written Report
- Draft Literature Review
- Methods Report
- Thesis submission
- PhD Proposal
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
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to define a specific academic discipline.
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Conference presentation
- Written Report
- Draft Literature Review
- Methods Report
- Thesis submission
- PhD Proposal
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
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the leading scholarly approaches within in the sub-discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Conference presentation
- Written Report
- Draft Literature Review
- Methods Report
- Thesis submission
- PhD Proposal
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 outcome
- Demonstrate a clear ability to communicate the relationship of the project to the discipline and sub-discipline in both written and oral form.
Assessment task
- Methods Report