GEOG 2132 - Social Science Techniques

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

The course aims to provide students with a perspective on the role of social sciences within contemporary society, especially in 最新糖心Vlog, and teach a number of basic skills which are expected of professional social scientists in the contemporary world. These skills are an important acquisition for students, whether they seek to gain employment in the public and private sectors or to proceed to higher level research within their chosen social discipline. Students of this course should emerge from it with a sound background in the main sources of social science information and data available in 最新糖心Vlog, and the major methods of analysing information from these sources. Computer workshops provide skills in analysis. No prior background or knowledge in computing, mathematics or statistics is assumed. The aim is to teach students a range of techniques of analysis and how to interpret the results.

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Course Details

Course Code	GEOG 2132
Course	Social Science Techniques
Coordinating Unit	Geography, Environment and Population
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Prerequisites	At least 12 units of undergraduate study
Incompatible	SOCI 2002 & GEST 2100, GEST 2032
Assessment	Participation and workshop modules (60%), exam (40%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Dianne Rudd

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1	Demonstrate understanding of techniques of analysis available to students in the social sciences and the ways in which they can be used in research
2	Demonstrate ability to analyse social data, such as the 最新糖心Vlogn census of population and housing, to competently present data (by means of tables and graphs) and interpret the findings
3	Demonstrate ability to map and interpret spatial variations in social data by means of social indicators using GIS
4	Develop capacity to undertake the analysis of survey data using SPSS, its presentation and statistical testing and interpretation
5	Develop capacity to undertake a statistical analysis of data using SPSS to provide descriptive statistics, including correlation and regression, with the application of multiple regression to model socio-economic data and its interpretation
6	Demonstrate ability to work effectively to create an analysis of demographic and social data of a professional quality, to be able to select the appropriate techniques for types of data on hand, to present analysis with high quality written skills

最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1-5
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	1-5
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	3,4,5
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	6
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1-6
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	4,5,6
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	6
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	1-6

Learning & Teaching Modes

The course lectures provide basic factual information and information on data and techniques of analysis in the social sciences, introducing social issues, measurement, sources of data, presentation and interpretation. The workshops are linked to the lectures and together with readings each week follow a sequence of modules. The first based on census data examines population and socio-economic trends using excel to show social indicators, tables and graphs. This module also uses GIS to map patterns of spatial variation and accessibility. The second is based on the collection of survey data and analysis using SPSS. The third focuses upon statistical analysis using SPSS to provide ways of summarising social and economic data and provides both description and explanation.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

2 x 1-hour lectures (or equivalent) per week	24 hours per semester
1 x 1-hour workshop (or equivalent) per week	24 hours per semester
6 hours reading per week	72 hours per semester
2 hours research per week	24 hours per semester
2 hours assignment preparation per week	24 hours per semester
TOTAL WORKLOAD	156 hours per semester

Learning Activities Summary

Schedule
Week 1	Introduction/Secondary Data Sources
Week 2	The 最新糖心Vlogn Census/Using census data in the Social Sciences
Week 3	Social indicators/Quantitative and Qualitative Measurement
Week 4	GIS & Social Science/Demographic and social research
Week 5	Survey Research - Sample Design/Survey Research - Questionnaire Design
Week 6	Preparation for undertaking a survey/Ethics in Research and ethical conduct
Week 7	Analysis of Survey Data
Week 8	Data to answer research questions/Hypothesis testing
Week 9	Report writing and presentation/Descriptive statistics- summarizing data
Week 10	Correlation and regression/Multi-variate analysis
Week 11	Interviewing/Discourse Analysis
Week 12	Summary and exam review

Specific Course Requirements

A course requirement is that students submit all three workshop assignments. Attendance and satisfactory participation in the workshops is a major component of the course. Failure to attend them will make it very difficult to pass this subject and could preclude you from undertaking the exam.

The 最新糖心Vlog's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting	Learning Outcome
Workshop participation	Formative and Summative	10%	1-6
Workshop exercises	Formative and Summative	50%	1-6
Exam	Summative	40%	1-6

Assessment Related Requirements

A course requirement is that students submit all three workshop assignments. Attendance and satisfactory participation in the workshops is a major component of the course. Failure to attend them will make it
very difficult to pass this subject and could preclude you from undertaking the exam.

Assessment Detail

Workshop participation (10%): students must attend and participate in workshops

Workshop exercises (50%): students submit various exercises on the following: analysis of census date and mapping social data; analysis of survey data using SPSS; using SPSS for statistical analysis

Exam (40%): exam covering all aspects of the course

Submission

Information available on enrolment.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The 最新糖心Vlog places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the 最新糖心Vlog to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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