3 - Integrated Studies 2
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Delivery Mode: Grouped-Study
In the methods of inquiry course students examine a range of approaches to research in the social sciences and cultural studies. Different research methods and methodologies (quantitative / qualitative / feminist / ethnographic / deconstruction / discourse analysis / social history and more) are introduced and critically assessed. As well, students review a selection of books that take an integrative approach to inquiry. This is a required course.
Note: It is recommended that MAIS 601 and MAIS 602 be completed early in the program.
The objectives for Researching Society and Culture are fivefold. The course provides
In this foundation course, students will be assessed on a pass / fail basis. To pass this course, students must successfully complete the following activities and assignments:
Course Activity | Weighting |
Online participation in group discussion | 10 % |
Answering questions on epistemological issues (500 words) | 10 % |
A brief statement of a boundary-crossing research possibility (500-750 words) | 10 % |
A research proposal (3,000-3,500 words) | 25% |
A review of a peer's research proposal (300-500 words) | 15% |
Final proposal and reflections on the research process (4,000-4,500 words) | 30% |
Total | 100% |
The course materials for Master of Arts-Integrated Studies 602 include the items listed below. If you find that any of these items are missing from your course materials package, please contact Course Materials Production of Athabasca University at (780) 675-6366, or 1-800-788-9041, ext. 6366 (toll free from anywhere in Canada or the United States). You may also write in care of Athabasca University, 1 University Drive, Athabasca AB T9S 3A3; or direct your e-mail to cmat@athabascau.ca.
Course Guide: contains the course introduction, objectives, reading assignments, participation activities, assignments and evaluation criteria, and other information students will need to complete the course successfully. The "Course Schedule" identifies the course activities and assignments that students are to follow each week. The Assignment File section at the back of the Course Guide explains the assignments you will have to complete to get credit for the course. Students should take time to review the information in this document in order to become familiar with the design of the course.
Reading File: The assigned readings, which supplement the course textbooks, are included in the Reading File. The Study Schedule in the Course Guide will direct you to each of the readings.