Social Science Research Seminar (POLS40013)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | February |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is designed to develop research skills for students planning and writing research theses in the School of Social and Political Sciences. The subject explores contemporary research strategies, differing methodological approaches to social research, the relationship of theory and research, and practical issues concerned with designing thesis topics and their realization through the research process, including the management of ethics principles and procedures.
The subject gives special attention to the design of problem-driven research. It will assist students to develop skills in thesis preparation and development as well as in the framing of research projects, more generally. The subject is taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subjects students should:
- Have an understanding of the theoretical, methodological, resource and ethical considerations of relevance in designing a social science research project
- Have an appreciation of the role of theory in the framing of social research
- Have a sense of the need to identify appropriate research strategies when undertaking research
- Have an awareness of the analytical and organizational skills required in social science research
- Have completed a fully developed research proposal for their thesis.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should:
- Be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry
- Be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic
- Be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASIA90012 | International Relations Thesis Part 1 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
18.75 |
| HIST90034 | International Relations Thesis Part 1 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
18.75 |
| POLS40021 | Politics & International Thesis Part 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
| POLS90054 | International Relations Thesis Part 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
18.75 |
| PPMN90049 | Public /Social Policy Thesis Part 1 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
18.75 |
| SOCI40006 | Sociology Thesis Part 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
Note: these can be taken concurrently (at the same time)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Politics and International Studies, Sociology, Socio-Legal Studies at Undergraduate level
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A research proposal study
| Due in April | 100% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 4 days. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- February
Coordinator Lauren Rosewarne Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total of 32 contact hours : A 4-day intensive of lectures and workshops, scheduled over 4 days from the teaching start date. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 19 February 2024 to 22 February 2024 Last self-enrol date 19 February 2024 Census date 8 March 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 April 2024 Assessment period ends 26 April 2024 February contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Students completing an Honours, Graduate Diploma (Advanced) or Masters by Coursework minor thesis in the following areas of study must complete this subject:
Political Science
Politics and International Studies/Politics
Sociology
Socio-Legal Studies
International Relations
Public Policy and Management
Social Policy
Students who commence the thesis in semester 2 will be required to complete POLS40013 in the February of the following year.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
This is a compulsory subject for students enrolled in the following Honours programs: Politics and International Studies, Sociology, and the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) in the diciplines of Politics and International Studies, Sociology.
This is also a compulsory co-requisite subject for students who are enrolled in the minor thesis component of the Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy and Management, Master of Social Policy.
This subject will run intensively in February, the week before Semester 1 commences.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Public Policy and Management - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025