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FSOC40115: Current Debates in Interdisciplinarity Research

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Open
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Not available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Social Sciences and Health Faculty Hub

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • This module aims to support students in:
  • Fostering understandings of a broad range of current societal issues from interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Contributing to debates of research methods applicable to interdisciplinary inquiries
  • Reflecting about the understanding and value of interdisciplinary research
  • Appraising the complexities of interdisciplinary research

Content

  • Introduction to current societal issues from different disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Exploration of various research methods and their practical value from interdisciplinary approaches
  • Discussions of working in interdisciplinary fields and teams

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • At the end of the module students will be able to:
  • Define the complexities of interdisciplinary research
  • Explain the usefulness of interdisciplinary research in the context of a complex social world
  • Identify a wide range of research methods and approaches useful to conducting interdisciplinary research

Subject-specific Skills:

  • On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
  • Show a critical understanding of interdisciplinarity
  • Engage in reading and debates pertaining to interdisciplinary research
  • Reflect on how their research interests link to and/or can benefit from interdisciplinary research

Key Skills:

  • Read and think critically and independently
  • Construct reasoned arguments about interdisciplinary research
  • Use written and spoken communication skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module will be structured around a set of interactive lectures, seminars, and self-study time
  • Interactive lectures: this will include introduction and conclusion sessions, as well as interactive sessions on current and emerging areas of research.
  • Workshops: this will present opportunities for students to reflect on and discuss their understanding of issues under focus, with the support of key readings and preparatory activities.
  • The summative assignment takes the form of 2,500 word Research Proposal, enabling students to think deeply about interdisciplinarity and research methods in relation to their own research. The workshops will provide spaces for students to test their ideas and receive formative feedback from peers and tutor.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures6Weekly2 hours12Yes
Workshops22 hours4Yes
Preparation and reading134 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: AssignmentComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Research Proposal2500 words100 

Formative Assessment

Seminars will be spaces to test students ideas with peers and seminar convenor. Students are invited to submit an outline for written feedback prior to their summative deadline.

More information

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