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Course Outline

ART411 Research Design: Methodology and Literature Review

Course Coordinator:Peter Innes (pinnes@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course is designed to assist you to clarify and refine your approach to undertaking your research. You will acquire knowledge about research in your chosen field and develop methodological understandings relevant to your topic. The course will familiarise you with the fundamental principles of literature reviews and research design through the production of a research proposal. Its multidisciplinary workshop based approach will expose you to a range of theoretical approaches, methodologies and methods, and enhance your understanding of your own research and its relationship to other disciplines.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On Campus Workshop 3hrs Week 1 11 times

Course Topics

Methodology and Method: Theory, Paradigm, and Designs

Qualitative Approaches

Evaluation, Practice, and Reflection

Quantitative Approaches

Sampling and Human Ethics in Research

 

 

What level is this course?

400 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Acquire knowledge of research principles and methods and distinguish their appropriateness in different applications and disciplines Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Use and apply research data analysis technologies Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
3 Effectively communicate key aspects of a relevant research method in an oral (audio-visual) format Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
4 Exhibit professional collegiality by providing constructive comments to your peers about their learning and proposed research practices Ethical
Engaged
5 Construct and justify a proposal for conducting independent research. Creative and critical thinker
Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in Program AR401, AR407 or AR408 or by Course Coordinator approval

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

CMN574 or CMN575

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

You should have acquired an insight into knowledge and problems inherent in their disciplinary areas (including interdisciplinary knowledge where appropriate). It is this disciplinary knowledge and awareness of applied and theoretical debates which directs students to addressing proposed research contributions. This course provides the further scaffolding into methodology and method.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Practice quizzes, with access to answers, will be provided online in Canvas, aligned appropriately with the content material to be assessed in the first Task assessment drawing upon key workshop content (i.e. in worksheets).

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 20% 
Short key online module quizzes.
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All 2 Oral Individual 40% 
15 minute recorded (and uploaded) video presentation.
 Week 9 Online Submission
All 3 Essay Individual 40% 
3000 words
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Module Quizzes
Goal: 
This assessment is designed to support and develop your understanding of: (i) research methodology; (ii, iii, iv) the three strands of research methods encountered; and (v) research ethics.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
Online, multiple choice or short-answer question format, provided following key modules.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrated active engagement in tutorial and presentation discussions
 2
2 
Completion of workshop activity sheets in Canvas (eg Offering ideas and opinions, asking questions, reflecting upon readings)
 1 2
3 
Participation in the formal peer feedback for presentations
 4
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Presentation
Goal: 
The purpose of this assessment is for you to gain an in-depth understanding of one particular research method and to present your findings to your peers.
Product: Oral
Format: 
You will prepare a recorded (mp4) presentation which overviews one research method/methodology appropriate to your disciplinary field.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Content (20%)
 1 2
2 
Argument - justification (20%)
 1
3 
Structure - organisation (10%)
 1
4 
Technical Elements - text and references (10%)
 1
5 
Supporting Materials/Graphical (20%)
 3
6 
Verbal Communication (10%)
 3
7 
Time Management - allocation to parts (10%)
 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Research Proposal
Goal: 
You will develop critical skills in developing a research proposal which integrates a research literature with methodology and method, relevant to your proposed thesis research topic or a topic negotiated with the Course Coordinator.
Product: Essay
Format: 
Written academic essay, uploaded to Canvas for submission.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Content (40%)
 1 5
2 
Argument - justification and critical analysis (30%)
 1 5
3 
Structure - organisation (10%)
 5
4 
Clarity and Expression - text and referencing (20%)
 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

N/A

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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