This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The curriculum will be structured around classroom sessions which will introduce students to core methodological concepts and debates, key issues in research design and a range of research methods. The overall aim of this module is to provide students with a sufficiently advanced methodological grounding for them to be able to construct well-designed and conceptualised research projects at Masters level, and to have an appropriate grasp of methodological issues to be able to design and begin doctoral level research.
Total contact hours: 30
Essay (5000 words) - 100%
Baert, P. (2010). Social Theory in the Twentieth-Century and Beyond. Oxford: Polity Press;
(ed.) Hinnells, J. 2010. The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion, 2nd edition. London/New York: Routledge;
(eds.) Seidman, S. & Alexander, J. (2001). The New Social Theory Reader. London: Routledge;
Shilling, C. (2001). The Sociological Ambition. London: Thousand Oaks.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of different methodological approaches relevant to the study of religion;
Students will be able to articulate and defend the ontological and epistemological grounding of a particular methodological approach;
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of core elements of research design, including approaches to sampling, data collection and data analysis;
Students will be able to think critically about the ethical and political nature of research;
Students will be able to demonstrate comprehensove understanding a wide range of research methods related to the study of religion;
Students will be able to identify viable research questions and evaluate the appropriateness of particular research methods for answering these;
Students will be able to articulate and make critical use of criteria for evaluating the quality of research related to the study of religion;
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