James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

BA4000 - Becoming a Researcher

Subject Description

What is the point of research? What are the different approaches to research, and how do we decide when to use them? What steps do researchers take in designing and implementing a rigorous research project? How do researchers ensure that our ideas are heard and understood by the right people? In this subject, students will consider the practice, impact, and outcomes of academic research. Students will build on their discipline-specific knowledge to answer these questions in the context of the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences more broadly. The subject will build students' skills in critical thinking, designing research, and developing as scholars.

Learning Outcomes

• critique existing research from a range of perspectives and a specific context
• contextualise disciplinary approaches within the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
• formulate a well-developed research question, aim(s), and/or hypothesis of an appropriate scope for an Honours research project

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (40%) - Group & Individual
• Written > Abstract - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Annotated bibliography - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities