MULTI-DISCIPLINARY METHODS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

QUANTITATIVE METHODS

QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESARCH
360-300-RE (2.2.2)

Quantitative information forms an essential aspect of Social Science research and a major part of the information we receive about the contemporary world through newspapers and other media.  This course introduces students to the use and abuse of numbers in social research and reporting.  Students learn where numbers come from, what to do with them, and what can be learned from them.  The proper use of basic descriptive statistics and statistical inference are explored through examples from all the Social Sciences.  In addition to lectures, students experiment with a variety of quantitative methods using a statistical software package in a weekly laboratory.

RESEARCH METHODS

SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS
300-300-AB (2.2.3) (pre-requisite 360-300-RE)

Whereas Quantitative Methods focused on building numeracy skills for Social Science students, this course focuses on the qualitative elements of social science research across the disciplines.  A number of qualitative research and samping methods are explored through exercises and research reports.  Substantial time is also devoted to effective library search techniques and to reading, summarizing and writing assorted and complex texts.

ISS

INTEGRATION IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
300-301-AB  (1.2.4) (pre-requisite 300-300-AB)

This is the final course for graduating Social Science students.  The course draws on previous learning across level one, level two, and general education courses.  Each student designs and carries out an independent research project, and reflects on college learning.   This project includes interpretation, synthesis and evaluation of their own evolved research problem to theories and topics encountered in prior college learning.  This is accomplished in close coordination with a faculty member and student peers throughout the course of the semester.  The final research project, presentation, and program reflection serve as the comprehensive assessment for the Social Science Program. This is a required course for the Social Science program and is taken in the student's graduating semester.