University of St Andrews - Scotland's first university, founded 1413

Module Catalogue

For information on which modules are specific to your programme, please see : Programme requirements index 2024-2025.

Curricular information may be subject to change.

IR3114 Critical Research Skills

Academic year(s): 2024-2025

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: A ballot system is in place.

Planned timetable: Monday 1pm - 2pm

This module builds on the highly successful Emerging Researchers Programme developed by the Third Generation Project, to provide a module for students with a strong interest in social justice issues and critical theory, as well as those intending to proceed to postgraduate education and/or enter into research/policy-oriented careers. Drawing from both non-Western and Western methodological frames, this module will provide students with a grounding in critical, participatory and anti-oppressive research methodologies that: question normative research processes; foreground the subjectivity of the researcher as a salient factor in research design; and engage in a progressive struggle to advance social justice aims. The module is divided into two parts.The first part is theoretical, whilst the second is focused upon developing on inclusive - and historically rooted - research practice, by focusing upon a number of justice struggles, including those chosen by students themselves.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2005 and pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture (x10 weeks), 1 tutorial (x10 weeks), 3 x 2 hours media viewing

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% coursework

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination =100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor A M S Watson
Module teaching staff: Prof A Watson

Intended learning outcomes

Evaluate individual pieces of research in light of their epistemological and ontological assumptions.
Identify and assess the contributions critical, participatory and anti-oppressive methodologies make to social research.
Outline and demonstrate critical awareness of the ways in which critical and anti-oppressive research methodologies contribute to collective emancipatory goals.
Apply key elements of critical and anti-oppressive research methodologies to allow students to develop their own approach to critical research.
Understand the role of historical dialogue and the ways in which historical narratives are used as part of contemporary justice struggles.