CRIM 700

Research in Criminology


Please note: this is archived course information from 2021 for CRIM 700.

Description

Web Course Description:  

This course begins by examining the overarching logics and foundations that shape research processes. It then explores some of the major principles of research design before discussing particular methods of research. The course covers basic statistical analysis, content analysis, discourse analysis, the use of observations and documents/found sources, interviews/focus groups, ethnography and online research. These methods are frequently employed in the field of criminology and related disciplines, and have the additional virtue of being useable with minimal financial expenditure. Students will be expected to complete a short research proposal and project based upon unobtrusive methods.

Course objectives:

By the end of this course, a student should be able to:

  • Understand and critically engage with various methods through examples of their application
  • Examine how methods can be utilised in creative ways
  • Develop research methods to investigate criminological problems that possess access issues
  • Critically evaluate how research methods are directly related to the conclusions that one can make
  • Assess how research methods are directly related to the types of questions one can pose and styles of argumentation

To achieve the course objectives listed above you will need to:

  • Attend each weekly class
  • Read and understand each assigned reading
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Submit a short statistical exercise
  • Write one methodological critique
  • Give a 20 minute presentation on your proposed research
  • Write up a brief research project

 

Assessment:
Coursework

Availability 2021

Semester 1

Lecturer(s)

Lecturer(s) Dr Alice Mills
Dr Susann Wiedlitzka

Points

CRIM 700: 30 points