UJ Advanced short course in Social Research Methodology
| The UJ Department of Sociology is pleased to be able to invite you to enrol for our annual workshop leading either to an officially accredited qualification in advanced Social Research Methodology, or to one MA coursework module. The course is registered with the South African Qualification Authority at NQF level 8 and is taught at a master’s level, but has been experienced as useful by more senior scholars and experienced practitioners. The course covers qualitative and quantitative social research methods, plus the theoretical issues underlying these approaches. It includes an introduction to SPSS, a user-friendly package for processing quantitative data. |
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| Dates and times of offering The course has been offered in two block weeks during the first semester of every year since 1999. On-campus classes are scheduled to take place during daytime work hours in two block workshop weeks. The dates on which the course is offered in a particular year are announced in newspaper advertisements, usually in the Mail & Guardian, however, students may enquire to the course coordinator any time from November. Students should be prepared to dedicate these two entire weeks to the course in addition to individual after hours and weekend work. While masters students are expected to attend all Wednesday Seminars, certificate students of the course are expected to attend a minimum of eight seminars in the Wednesday seminar series. It is advisable to attempt this during the first semester. Preparation and assignments take place outside of these periods. Finally, a presentation of a research proposal is scheduled later in the year. In 2017, the two teaching blocks are scheduled for the full work weeks beginnig Mon 3 April and Tue 18 April, daily from 8:30 to 17:00. |
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| Topics Topics covered include: * SPSS * Managing research and writing proposals * Philosophy and ethics of social research * Analysis of quantitative data * Group and individual interviews * Epistemological considerations * Observation and participation * Archival research * Getting the best out of the internet * Developing research questions * Considering gender * Sampling * Large scale projects * Linking ‘pure’ academic and applied research. |
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| Who should apply? Anyone concerned to develop advanced research skills, including consultants, university, NGO and public administration staff, trade union research officers and senior graduate students. The normal minimum requirement is an honours degree in a social science subject. For students with significant, relevant work experience, an ordinary bachelor’s degree may suffice. |
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| Assessment and outcome Assessment takes place by four assignments, each worth a quarter of the coursework component. This includes three essays and one SPSS assignment. Students prepare and present a research proposal that constitutes the course examination. Successful students will be awarded an accredited University of Johannesburg certificate (or 25% of an MA degree). While assignments are marked at master’s level, doctoral students and senior scholars are also welcome. |
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| Cost The course fee for a specific year is usually established by November of the previous year. The cost for 2017 can be expected to be just in excess of R11,000. This should hopefully include the general university registration fee and ICT levy, access to the SPSS package and the UJ library, as well as course fees. Foreign students are charged one additional levy. Fees must be paid and proof of payment and registration from the university must be provided to the course coordinator on or before 15 March. Travel, lunch and fringe costs are for your own account. In addition, R220.- should be paid into entity number 05.05.006500.20.16200 at the UJ cashiers and proof of payment presented to the departmental secretary at CRing 6 (during open hours) prior to the start of the teaching block. This is in order to purchase the prescribed SPSS workbook, of which the cost is subject to change. SPSS can be used on the computers available in the teaching venue, and students should use all extra time during the teaching weeks and on the last day of the course to utilise these facilities. The relevant SPSS data files are made available on the course Blackboard site. |
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| Contact Applications should be submitted to the UJ enrolment centre. Two applications must be submitted, the UJ official application form and the departmental application form that is available at this link:  Postgrad application form2017.doc.pdf All application should be accompanied by the names and contact details of two referees and an academic record. Applicants are encourage to apply as soon as possible. Candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after receipt of application.
For more information regarding the postgraduate Diploma in ASR, contact Mr Anthony Kaziboni by e-mail to [email protected] .For more information regarding a coursework MA degree in the UJ Department of Sociology, click here. |