3 - Integrated Studies 2
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Delivery Mode: Grouped-Study
In this 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.
In the Master of Arts- Integrated Studies 602: Researching Society and Culture course you will have the opportunity to learn about various approaches to research and to propose an integrated study of your own.
Throughout the course you will be encouraged to work across disciplinary boundaries, so that your work becomes an interdisciplinary, integrated project. The course is designed in the hope that you will learn something new, challenge yourself, engage with your colleagues in the course, and have fun.
The course author is Cathy Bray, PhD. Dr. Bray has taught research methods in Canada and New Zealand since 1992. She was coordinator of the Athabasca University Women's Studies program from 1989 to 1996, a senior lecturer at Massey University in New Zealand from 1996 to 2000, and she has been a freelance university educator in Vancouver since then.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to
In this foundation course, you will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. To help you to plan your study schedule, each assignment is weighted proportionally-see below for a percentage breakdown. For descriptions of the assignments and instructions on how to complete them, please see the "Assignment File" section of the Course Guide.
To pass MAIS 602: Researching Society and Culture, you will be required to participate in online discussions (mandatory), and successfully complete each of the following activities:
| Course Activity | Weighting |
| Assignment 1: Preliminary Suggestion and Justification of Interdisciplinary Research Question (approx.750 words) | 15 % |
| Assignment 2: Research Proposal Draft (approx. 3,500 words) | 25 % |
| Assignment 3: Peer Review of a Research Proposal (about 500 words) | 15 % |
| Assignment 4: Final Research Proposal with Reflections on What You Have Learned (approx. 4,000-6,000 words) | 45% |
| Total | 100% |
Please note that your work on each assignment will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Your professor will also give you an indication of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement for each assignment. This evaluation process is intended to assist you in achieving greater competency as you progress through each stage of the course. Try to focus on your learning, rather than on how that learning is assessed.
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: This Course Guide contains the course introduction, objectives, reading assignments, commentary, participation activities, and assignments, and other information that you will need to complete the course successfully. The "Course Schedule" identifies the course activities and assignments that you are to complete each week. Please take time now to review the information in this document in order to become familiar with the design of the course.
Reading File: Some of the assigned readings, which supplement the course textbooks, are included in the Reading File.
Forms: The forms that you will need to request an extension, register in a course, or request a letter of permission are included with the course materials.
Digital Reading File: Any assigned readings for this course that are available online are located in the MAIS 602: Researching Society and Culture Digital Reading File, which is linked to the course home page.
Online Resources
Course Homepage: Each course offered through the Master of Arts-Integrated Studies program has a course home page that provides links to additional resources and Web sites. From the MAIS home page at http://www.athabascau.ca/mais/, select Conferences, Bazaar; enter your username and password, then select MAIS 602.
Athabasca University Library: Explore the Library's Web site at http://library.athabascau.ca to review our collection of books, journal databases, electronic journals, and digital reference tools.
Master of Arts-Integrated Studies Web Site: Visit the MAIS home page at http://www.athabascau.ca/mais/ for information on the MAIS program and to access a number of resources useful to you as a graduate student.