Social Research Theory and Design

Research Theory and Design aims to provide students with a foundation in the theoretical elements of research design in Sociology. The course will assist students in formulating the research problem that will guide their thesis research. The course explores different ways of viewing, speculating upon and problematizing sociological issues through an examination of a selection of foundational texts in sociology. The design of the course is based on the proposition that the persistent division between theory and method in Sociology is both necessary and problematic. The course therefore approaches theory as incorporating a methodological and practical dimension. However it also highlights the importance of reflection on truth claims and approaches to knowledge production when investigating research design.