SC832-6-FY-CO:
Research Project: Anthropology
2023/24
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
30
25 October 2023
Requisites for this module
SC277 or SC278
(none)
(none)
GV831, SC340, SC390, SC830, SC831
(none)
Undergraduates in the Department of Sociology at Essex carry out a research project in the final year of their degree. This project allows you to apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge that you have gained over the course of your undergraduate degree.
The project can take a variety of forms ranging from empirical research using methods such as participant observation, ethnographic research, qualitative interviews, content or discourse analysis, or secondary data analysis, such as the analysis of an existing quantitative or qualitative data set. Unlike other assignments, you will be conducting, analysing and writing-up a piece of original research.
The undergraduate sociology project is the equivalent of one full year module in your degree course and must be between 10,000 and 12,000 words in length (including all footnotes, endnotes, references/bibliography and tables/figures). It runs in parallel with your other third year modules - although you should begin work on your project during the summer term following your second year.
While you will receive guidance from the project director and your supervisor, ultimately the success of your research will depend on the way in which you develop your ideas and plan and execute your project.
The project provides an opportunity for students to research and produce a substantial piece of original work. It is designed to draw together all of the knowledge that the student has acquired on the programme and will enable them to develop and demonstrate analytical, judgmental and communication skills.
On successfully completing the project the student will be able to demonstrate the following skills:
Knowledge of key anthropological concepts and theories
Knowledge of the principles of research design and the main approaches to data collection, especially participant observation
Knowledge of the principles of ethnographic interviewing
Knowledge of the epistemological, ethical and political dimensions of anthropological research
An ability to develop a reasoned argument
An ability to formulate anthropological questions
An ability to summarise, report and evaluate arguments, texts and findings
An ability to frame a research proposal and to identify and apply the appropriate research methods
An ability to understand, summarise and critically assess anthropological work
Ability to produce independent work
An ability to frame a research proposal and to identify and apply the appropriate research methods.
An ability to conduct and present a small scale piece of anthropological research
An ability to present ideas and evidence to others in a clear and concise manner
An ability to identify problems and propose solutions
An ability to plan work and manage time and an ability to reflect on their own work and respond constructively to the comments of others
Indicative syllabus
- Final Year Project Introduction
- Ethics Workshop
- Writing the Literature Review
- Data Collection and Access Workshop
- Structuring and Writing your Project
This module will include a range of activities to help you and your supervisors to check your understanding and progress. These include the submission of a research proposal and data collection plan, an opportunity to engage in workshops on data collection and analysis, and a regular discussion forum where you can look for answers to your questions, and post new questions.
Please note that you should be spending up to eight hours per week undertaking your own private study (reading, preparing for classes or assignments, etc.) on each of your modules (e.g. 32 hours in total for four 30-credit modules).
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Literature Review |
|
10% |
| Coursework |
Final year Project |
|
90% |
Additional coursework information
BA dissertations should include the following sections:
Introduction stating the topic and purpose of study and it specific research questions
Presentation of research methods
Review of the relevant literature
Presentation and discussion of the collected data
Conclusion
Please note that assessment information is currently showing for 2018-19 and will be updated in August 2019
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Maitrayee Deka, email: maitrayee.deka@essex.ac.uk.
Supervision by various members of the Department
Jane Harper, Undergraduate Administrator, Telephone 01206 873052, email jharper (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
No
No
Yes
Dr Aneira Edmunds
School of Law, Politics & Sociology
Senior Lecturer
Dr Paul Gilbert
University of Sussex
Senior Lecturer in International Development
Available via Moodle
Of 5 hours, 5 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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