Module: POL6006-20 Politics Project

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Cliff Williamson

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.williamson@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module

This is an opportunity to carry out a piece of political research in your chosen specialist area, which will form the basis of a research report. You might choose to research an issue that relates to your career plans, something you have been introduced to in a previous module or simply a topic that interests you. You may wish to use this module to bring together your studies in Politics and your main subject, and to explicitly relate the two.

The exact nature of your research will depend on the aims, style and focus of the project you decide to carry out, but it might include collecting primary data by undertaking survey research, interviews, a focus group or observational study, media analysis, or drawing on and synthesising secondary data to answer a defined research question. It may similarly involve analysing policy or strategy of a governmental or non-governmental organisation, or making your own contribution to an area of scholarly research and debate.

In some cases, it may be possible to develop a project in collaboration with an external organisation, or to apply your research to a current event or initiative.

2. Outline syllabus

This is an independent project, in which you’ll design, implement and evaluate your own piece of work. Depending on the nature of the topics chosen, you’ll be able to take part in reading groups, research seminars and writing workshops, together with individual supervisions. Seminar topics may include:

• Collecting data

• Analysing data & answering research questions

• Managing your research project

• Publishing & presenting research findings

• Contributing to political debates and strategies

• Taking political research into public fora

3. Teaching and learning activities

Reading groups, research seminars and supervisions

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Project proposal (equiv. 1000 words)

• % Weighting: 20

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Project report (equiv. 4000 words)

• % Weighting: 80