Directed Studies in Social Sciences

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
SOSC 3399
Descriptive
Directed Studies in Social Sciences
Department
Social Sciences
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
N/A; independent study
Contact Hours
4 hrs. per week / semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Online
Learning Activities

Independent study, with supervision provided weekly throughout the semester. 

Course Description
Directed Studies in Social Sciences provides students with an opportunity to pursue a specific research interest. The research may involve conducting: (a) a review and analysis of published research and theoretical articles, or (b) original research within a Social Sciences discipline. Directed studies projects are supervised and evaluated by a faculty member. Students must submit an application for approval of their directed studies project to the appropriate Department Chair.
Course Content

The course content will be identified in a student’s application for approval and will include a preliminary list of readings/articles.  The scope and content of the project must be approved by the faculty supervisor and Department Chair, and, if necessary the Research Ethics Board.

Learning Outcomes
  1. To complete an in depth investigative of a topic in Social Sciences.
  2. To complete a comprehensive review of published research or to conduct original research on a topic of interest.
  3. To analyze and evaluate the support for a given perspective, model, theory, or phenomenon. 
  4. To identify limitations of past investigations into the topic of interest.
  5. To identify future directions of investigation to address limitations in the research. 
Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy.  Evaluation will be based on the course objectives. 

 

The following is a sample evaluation scheme:

Literature review  40%
Research proposal              20%
Research paper  40%
Total 100%
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

 

Students will be responsible for identifying the relevant academic publications.  The faculty supervisor must approve a preliminary list of readings/articles. 

Prerequisites

60 credit hours