Students
SOC 849 – Professional Internships in Social Research
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jacqueline Mackaway
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
SOC830 or SOC831
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
SSCI301
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with practical and professional experience to undertake applied social research (including policy and evaluation -related research) for a community, not-for-profit, government or commercial organisation. Students will need to work between 100 and 150 hours on a discrete research project, supervised both by the unit convenor and a nominated person at the partner organisation. The placement will be supported by five on-campus workshops. Students should have completed at least one research methods unit prior to enrolling in this unit. Students who want to organise their own placements should contact the unit convenor at least two months before the beginning of the session.
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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:
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
General Assessment Information
The Project Management Plan and Final Project Report must both be submitted electronically via iLearn and the Turnitin function.
Late submission, Special Consideration and extensions
Please contact the unit convenor if you find yourself unable to meet the submission dates for assessments and/or the minimum placement hours required.
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a penalty for lateness will apply:
- two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date
- no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days after the original submission deadline (including weekends).
- no online forum posting submitted after the deadline will be considered.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engagement - forum discussions | 10% | No | On-going |
| Engagement - presentation | 10% | No | Workshop 4 |
| Project Management Plan (PMP) | 20% | No | See description |
| Workplace Supervisor report | 20% | No | End of internship |
| Final project report | 40% | No | 16 November - 5pm |
Engagement - forum discussions
Due: On-going
Weighting: 10%
Contribute to 3 discussion posts during the semester related to the topics of: project management planning; reflective practice; and, professional and research ethics. Specific guidelines and a rubric related to 'Engagement' stating marking criteria are available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
Engagement - presentation
Due: Workshop 4
Weighting: 10%
Presentation to class on your project to occur in workshop 4 (2 November). Those who can not attend on presentation day will need to discuss with the lecturer an alternate date to present. Specific guidelines for presenting, as well as a marking guideline, are available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
Project Management Plan (PMP)
Due: See description
Weighting: 20%
Produce a written project management plan (PMP) within the first 20 hours of your internship. A detailed guide and rubric stating the marking criteria are available in iLearn.
The PMP must include: the name of your project; the background, scope and purpose of your project; detail on the research method/approach being used; detail on tasks to be completed; a plan for monitoring the project; identification of key stakeholders; identification of key risks and issues.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
Workplace Supervisor report
Due: End of internship
Weighting: 20%
Your workplace supervisor will complete an assessment of your performance at the end of your internship. A sample of the criteria used to make this assessment is available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
Final project report
Due: 16 November - 5pm
Weighting: 40%
The final assessment involves a written report on your research project which will include: information on your organization and project; a selection of examples of your work; and, a select reflecting on your experience.The report must be submitted via iLearn. Detailed guidelines for the report as well as a rubric stating the marking criteria are available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
Delivery and Resources
The unit has two key components:
- academic - delivered through 5 on campus workshops
- practical - the students’ research work for an organization
For the academic component, the student will be required to:
- submit the required assessment tasks on time
- complete required workshop preparatory readings and activities
- contribute to online discussions
- attend all workshops (the student must contact the unit convenor id unable to attend a workshop and an alternative activity will be assigned for completion)
For the practical component, the student will be required to:
- complete a minimum 100 placement hours with their organization
- define a work schedule with their workplace supervisor and commit to it
- work on a research project according to the research plan they discuss with their workplace supervisor/s
- submit a final output of the research project to their organization.
Unit Schedule
This unit requires you to work for between 100-120 hours for an organization on a research project. Some students will be based at the host organization’s premises, others will be able to complete part (or most) of their work from home/campus.
Students need to attend 5 compulsory on-campus workshops. Please check the timetable for details. This component of the unit is as important as the project component.
Workshops are held on Fridays 3-5pm in 10 Haddenfield Ave Room 218 (old location of Y3A).
The dates are:
|
Workshop 1 |
Fri 3 August |
Managing a research project |
|
Workshop 2 |
Fri 10 August |
Reflective practice |
|
Workshop 3 |
Fri 17 August |
Professional and research ethics |
|
Workshop 4 |
Fri 2 November |
Communicating research |
|
Workshop 5 |
Fri 9 November |
Pursuing a career in social research |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
Assessment tasks
- Workplace Supervisor report
- Final project 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
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement - forum discussions
- Engagement - presentation
- Project Management Plan (PMP)
- Workplace Supervisor report
- Final project 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
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement - forum discussions
- Engagement - presentation
- Project Management Plan (PMP)
- Workplace Supervisor report
- Final project 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 outcome
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
Assessment tasks
- Project Management Plan (PMP)
- Workplace Supervisor report
- Final project 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
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
Assessment tasks
- Engagement - forum discussions
- Engagement - presentation
- Project Management Plan (PMP)
- Workplace Supervisor report
- Final project 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
- Employ and critically assess knowledge and research methodologies learnt in other units (SOC830/SOC831) to real work scenarios. Manage a research project following project management guidelines, and show problem solving skills during the life of the project. Produce a project report that shows your ability to appraise, analyse, interpret, justify and evaluate the information handled during the research internship.
- Assess how current ethical, social,political and/or environmental challenges present themselves at the workplace. Demonstrate through your work/project how you can contribute to addressing some/all of these types of challenges.
Assessment tasks
- Project Management Plan (PMP)
- Workplace Supervisor report
- Final project report