CULP40340 Research Methods

Academic Year 2023/2024

The objectives of this module are twofold: first, to familiarise students with research methods appropriate to the disciplines of cultural policy and arts management, in order to gain a deeper understanding of how advanced academic research is conceptualised, structured and written. Second, this module aims to prepare and support MA students in the development of their dissertation topics, and in the case of Graduate Diploma students, develop their ambitions and capacity to undertake and interpret research in the field.

The module coordinator will assist students in refining their research interests, and provide the necessary support for students to identify how research methodologies map onto the actual practice of research. Class sessions will cover include the basics of quantitative/qualitative research, the function and crafting of a literature review; analysing published research; information management; research ethics; evaluation of results; and writing/referencing skills. 

Readings and exercises are designed to prepare students for undertaking research work, and to provide critical feedback from classmates and the instructor in advance of commencing research. For those students undertaking the MA dissertation, these sessions in Autumn will help inform the submission of the Research Proposal (an assessed component of the final dissertation) which will be due in January 2024 and discussed in class.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• identify an appropriate research topic.
• understand the basics of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• interrogate one’s own position as a researcher and understand how this relates to the ways in which one might carry out a research project
• develop research questions, objectives and hypotheses.
• plan, organise, and analyse a research project.
• evaluate research and relate theory to practice
 

Indicative Module Content:

Weekly topics include:
Defining AMCP Research / Producing Knowledge
Conducting & Writing a Literature Review
Developing Research Objectives & Hypotheses / Citation Practices
Interviews, Ethnography & Oral History
Focus groups, Observations, Case Studies
Online Research Methods
Creative Research Methods in Practice
Analysing Research
Research Ethics & Reflexivity
Academic Writing / Working with a Supervisor

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Specified Learning Activities

42
Autonomous Student Learning

36
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module combines lectures, workshops, in-class assignments, and small group work. Emphasis is placed on making research methodologies scalable, practical and useful for students undertaking research projects. No previous experience in academic research is required: this is an introductory module. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
CULP40050 - Research Methods/Seminar


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Reading research critically: writing a peer review (40%) Week 9 n/a Graded No

40
Assignment: Short Assignment #2 – Reading for research: annotated bibliography (5%) Week 5 n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

5
Essay: Methods & Ethics Assignment (50%) Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

50
Assignment: Short Assignment #1 – Devising research ideas (5%) Week 3 n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

5

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be delivered to students individually via Brightspace. Follow-up meetings to discuss assessment feedback may also be scheduled and arranged via email.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 14:00 - 15:50