Overview
During this course, students will complete original research, expressed in a research report or theoretical paper. Specific details, including the topic and methodology, will be determined through negotiation and agreement between the student and the instructor. Topics for research depend on the instructor's area of expertise or familiarity with the social issue under investigation.
Outline
This course will guide students through writing professional quality research papers and contributing in an original way to the discipline of sociology. The course leads you through the basic steps of the typical research and writing cycle, which, depending on the type of project being undertaken, includes initial formulation of the idea through literature review, conceptualization of research, execution of the research project, and writing a final report of findings. Students may choose to approach topics from either a theoretical or an empirical perspective.
Evaluation
To receive credit for SOCI 427, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least 60 percent and a grade of at least 60 percent on the research paper. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Preliminary Proposal | 10% |
| Sample Reviews (2) | 30% |
| Research Paper | 60% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Other Materials
The course materials include a course guide.