UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH MODULE RECORD

MODULE CODE: FDAP205

CREDITS: 20

LEVEL: 2

MODULE TITLE: RESEARCH SKILLS

PRE-REQUISITE(S): None

CO-REQUISITE(S): None

COMPENSATABLE WITHIN THIS PROGRAMME:     Yes

SHORT MODULE DESCRIPTOR

This module enables students to identify a range of different research methods, processes and considerations which are central in conducting a research project in their academic or professional discipline.

ELEMENTS OF ASSESSMENT:  (C1) COURSEWORK   100%

 

Give Subject Assessment Panel Group to which module should be linked

 

Minimum pass mark for professional body accreditation

MODULE AIMS:

The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding of, and reflect upon the nature of a research project, the aims and applications of research, and the methods and procedures for conducting research in archaeology.

 

ASSESSED LEARNING OUTCOMES:  At the end of the module the learner will be expected to be able to:

1.      Produce an appropriate research project proposal for an archaeological investigation.

2.      Demonstrate an understanding of the factors which are prevalent when proposing and planning a research project in archaeology.

3.      Evaluate a range of research methodologies and data collection techniques.

4.      Present and critically evaluate a range of data.

 

INDICATIVE SYLLABUS CONTENT:

Types of research, barriers and restrictions in research, identifying research; Literature review and existing ‘knowledge’, Discipline specific research considerations and issues; Ethics, reliability and validity; Discipline specific research methods; Data analysis techniques; Preparing a research proposal; Evaluating research and the research cycle.

 

APPROVAL

DATE OF APPROVAL: April 2006

DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION: Sept 2006

DATE(S) OF APPROVED CHANGE:      23/05/07

 

FACULTY:

University of Plymouth Colleges

SCHOOL:

PARTNER INSTITUTION:

City College Plymouth

 

  MODULE LEADER: Win Scutt

Term All Year

       

 

Assessment Criteria (Threshold Level) :

The student should be able to:

  1. Produce an appropriate research project proposal.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the factors which are prevalent when proposing and planning a research project.
  3. Show evidence of having evaluated a range of research methodologies and data collection techniques.
  4. Show evidence of having critically evaluated data.

 

 

Assessment Mode:

Coursework: 100%

 

 

 

Schedule of Teaching and Learning:

 

The module will be delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars and individual tutorial and guest speakers where appropriate. A comprehensive package of support and learning resources will be available to students via the VLE.

 

 

 

Recommended Texts and Sources

 

The recommended texts for the course are:

 

Dawson, C (2005) Practical research methods. 2nd,ed. Oxford: How to books

English Heritage (1992) The Management of Archaeological Projects. London: English Heritage

Binford, L R (1964) A consideration of archaeological research design, American Antiquity 29: 425-41.

Binford, L R (2001) Where do research problems come from? American Antiquity 66(4), 669-78.

Mueller, J W (1975) Sampling in Archaeology. Tucson. Out of print – but available:

Odell, G H (2001) Research problems R Us, American Antiquity 66(4), 679-85.

Orton, C. (2000) Sampling in Archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Peregrine, P N (2001) Archaeological Research. New Jersey: Prentice Hall

Redman, C W (1987) Surface collection, sampling and research design: a retrospective, American Antiquity 52: 249-65.

Walliman, N (2005) Your research project. 2nd edition, London: Sage

 

Online

The Subject Centre for History, Classics and Archaeology. http://www.hca.heacademy.ac.uk/archaeology/

 

The Archaeology Data Service  http://ahds.ac.uk/archaeology/

 

 

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