Module List

Michel Foucault’s work has been influential in a wide range of disciplines. SOCI515 is a module that introduces students to the uses of Foucault’s theory and method within the social sciences. The module is structured to provide an insight into the ways Foucault’s technique and method have been taken up in sociology and applied to social research. Focusing on discourse as the cornerstone of Foucault’s methods our aim is to reconsider the status of ‘reality’ in the social sciences.

(LO1) To demonstrate an understanding of Foucault’s use of history as a method

(LO2) To demonstrate an understanding of the role of discourse in addressing the relations between discourse and context, discourse and power and discourse and interaction

(LO3) To explain the link between Foucault’s method and the study of culture and society

(LO4) To apply Foucault’s methods to social research and social inquiry in the social sciences

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

This module will help students design, plan and carry out focus group discussions, and will cover both the theory, ethics and practice of focus group research. Particular attention will be paid to the analysis of verbal and non-verbal interaction.

(LO1) To understand how and when focus groups could be used to research social issues, and be able to articulate the ethical implications of carrying out research in this way

(LO2) Students will understand focus group methodology and be able to design and carry out research involving focus group discussions

(LO3) Students will be able to capture and analyse data from focus group discussions, and clearly articulate their approach to analysis

(LO4) Students will be able to identify methodological texts to cite to support the academic integrity of their research and to identify how sociological theory may enhance their analysis and presentation of findings

(S1) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S4) Global citizenship - Ethical awareness

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S7) Working in groups and teams - Group action planning

This 5-credit module is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). Students are introduced to a critical understanding of discourse, which in turn encourages the analysis of language-use in relation to questions of power, injustice, and inequality in society. The module seeks to enable students' initial engagement in such analyses by introducing them to appropriate methods and techniques, and providing them the opportunity to put these into practice. The module is delivered via 2 x two and half-hour sessions involving presentation, practical work, and discussion. The module is also supported by online learning materials.

(LO1) An understanding of ideas and concerns underpinning Critical Discourse Analysis

(LO2) An ability to conduct Critical Discourse Analaytic work

(LO3) A critical understanding of the place of discourse in society

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - visual

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S4) Information skills - Critical reading

This module is organised around a review of the critical sociological literature on visual data and visual analysis. Drawing together existing research in this sub-field - which is growing rapidly in significance - the module focuses particularly on academic research that has sought to develop critical approaches to the production and deployment of visual data in specifically urban contexts.

(LO1) Familiarity with major classical and contemporary social scentific engagements with visual data and visual analysis (theoretical and empirical)

(LO2) Ability to apply the perspectives learned in Outcome 1 to an ongoing research project (e.g thesis)

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

Ethnomethodology and conversation analysis are radical approaches to social inquiry. While distinct, ethnomethodology - the study of practical methods of action and reasoning, i.e. 'ethno-methods' - and conversation analysis - the study of 'talk-in-interaction' - are grounded in detailed investigations of how people in all manner of ordinary and specialised sites and settings organise their activities from within. Although this module will chart the development of ethnomethodology and conversation analysis and situate them intellectually in wider fields of inquiry, its purpose is to provide an advanced, hands-on introduction to the unique way both approach the study of social practices via 'tutorial problems' centred on the analysis of interactional data collected as part of small-scale fieldwork exercises. Among others things, the module will look at how ethnographic research, observation and interviewing can be 'repurposed', that is, put to work in alternate ways when pursued ethnomethodologically.

(LO1) This module will provide an overview of ethnmethodology and conversation analysis as dynamic, analytically innovative and intellectually adventurous fields of research.

(LO2) It will enable students to trace the substantial influence ethnomethodology and conversation analysis continue to have in sociology, anthropology, psychology, science and technology studies, and other disciplines besides.

(LO3) Students who take this module will acquire an understanding of ethnomethodology and conversation analysis as radical approaches to the study of social practices, and will do so in the course of practical work on and with interactional data.

(LO4) As the only postgraduate short course in the UK focusing on ethnomethodology specifically, it presents a unique opportunity for students to learn about an alternative way of approaching social inquiry, one grounded in 'radical' empirical studies.

(S1) Reading skills

(S2) Writing skills

(S3) Data collection skills

(S4) Transcribing/capturing skills

(S5) Anaytic skills

This module is delivered through a half-day workshop and online activities aimed at postgraduate and academic researchers interested in conducting Participatory Action Research (PAR) with stakeholders. It provides opportunities for ‘shared conversations’ on issues involved in planning and conducting a PAR and consideration of: theoretical perspectives that inform PAR; appropriate methods and activities; and, ethical considerations related to a PAR. 

(LO1) To produce a strategy for engaging in a Particiaptory Action Research project;

(LO2) Understanding Participatory Action Research within a theoretical and practice framework;

(LO3) Understanding of methodology appropriate to a Participatory Action Research;

(LO4) Reflecting on the ethical issues and practical problems associated with Participatory Action Research.

(S1) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice

(S2) Time and project management - Project planning

(S3) Information skills - Networking skills

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S5) Working in groups and teams - Group action planning

(S6) Personal attributes and qualities - Integrity

Dr David Baker| David.Baker@liverpool.ac.uk

1500-word Research Report (100%)

This module encourages students to consider strategies and approaches when conducting research on sensitive subjects in the field of social scientific investigation. Students will engage with empirical, theoretical and methodological literature in relation to researching sensitive subjects. Case studies of research projects will be identified to demonstrate how practical, ethical and methodological obstacles can be negotiated and overcome. Students will identify specific sensitive topics for research and suggest approaches on how those projects might be undertaken. Students will also be encouraged to identify specific aspects of topics not to be researched and reflect on how and why such decisions might be taken.

(LO1) The development of an active and critical understanding of the theories of interviews

(LO2) An appreciation of different approaches to interviewing

(LO3) The skills to prepare and thematically analyse interview data

(LO4) An understanding of how to write and present interview data

(S1) Team (group) working respecting others, co-operating, negotiating / persuading, awareness of interdependence with others

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) Ethical awareness

(S5) Adaptability

This module will provide you with a good understanding of ethical principles underpinning formal ethical review (process) and the complexity of considerations that arise in the field (practice). The module will be delivered through a workshop that will provide the opportunity for student-led discussions on specific ethical issues related to your research. It will be assessed through a short critical review of an ethical issue(s).

(LO1) To produce a critical review of an ethical issue(s) related to your research investigation

(LO2) To demonstrate understanding of the theoretical and regulatory issues supporting good ethical research practice

(LO3) To demonstrate how to apply these theoretical and regulatory issues in practice

(LO4) To demonstrate skills in balancing dilemmas in research ethics

(S1) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S2) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

(S3) Literacy application of literacy, ability to produce clear, structured written work and oral literacy - including listening and questioning

This 5-credit module will introduce students to observation and help them explore how they may draw on observational methods in their own research. Assessment will be based on students designing and carrying out an observation in a public place. Students will then write a report which will reflect on their method, ethics, reflexivity and analysis of material and refer to wider methods texts and theories.

(LO1) To understand how and when observational methods can be used to research social life, and be able to articulate the ethical implications of carrying out research in this way

(LO2) Students will understand observational methods and be able to design and carry out research involving observation

(LO3) Students will be able to record and analyse observational data and clearly articulate their approach to analysis

(LO4) Students will be able to identify methodological texts in order to cite to support the academic integrity of their research and to identify how sociological theory may enhance their analysis and presentation of findings

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Ethical awareness

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

Dr Terence Heng | t.heng@liverpool.ac.uk

How does one integrate photography into a research project, and how can this be in a creative and aesthetically impactful manner? In this module students will be introduced to photography as a visual method in the social sciences, particularly as a way to investigate social phenomenon. This module will also consider how photography works as a form of practice-based research, where creative practice affords us more opportunities to develop new insights into the social world.

(LO1) Identify and explain major theories surrounding the photograph and the act of photography

(LO2) Recognise the value and significance of photography’s contribution to our understanding of society and social issues

(LO3) Describe and identify potential ethical issues with photography and creative photographic practice

(LO4) Synthesise theories from their core discipline and apply these to photographic practice

(LO5) Apply basic photography techniques in the development of a portfolio

(S1) Digital scholarship participating in emerging academic, professional and research practices that depend on digital systems

(S2) Information technology (application of) adopting, adapting and using digital devices, applications and services

(S3) Media literacy online critically reading and creatively producing academic and professional communications in a range of media

(S4) Research management developing a research strategy, project planning and delivery, risk management, formulating questions, selecting literature, using primary/secondary/diverse sources, collecting & using data, applying research methods, applying ethics

(S5) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.