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Research Methods

Home/ Research Methods
Course Type Course Code No. Of Credits
Discipline Core SDS3DS102 4

Semester to which offered: (I/ III/)    Winter Semester

Course Coordinator and Team:       Anirban Sengupta

Email of course coordinator:            anirban@aud.ac.in

Aim:

Brief description of modules/ Main modules:

Content

Social science began its pursuit to comprehend empirical realities since early nineteenth century by attempting to emulate methodologies of natural science. At that point of time following such a methodology was the only known and accepted pathway to develop credible scientific knowledge. With time as scope of social science expanded and diversified it became clear that a singular methodological approach was insufficient for making sense of complex social realities under consideration. As a result, diversification in methodology began. This process of diversification implied radical shifts from dominant theoretical paradigms and therefore, these shifts were never smooth and easy. Each shift involved rigorous methodological debates resulting in newer developments in social theories. What is interesting about these methodological debates is their ongoing character resulting out of constant reinvention of different paradigms. This has made any discussion on methodology tremendously lively and contemporary. The aim of this course is to explore different theoretical perspectives around social realities and their connections with methodologies of research. The course would attempt to engage with different social theories to explore their contributions towards development of research methods.

Learning Objectives

  • This course is meant for research scholars working in the broad field of social sciences. The primary aim of this course is to introduce research scholars to the historical development of different methodological positions and their connection with relevant social theories. The course also aims to introduce research scholars to various methodological debates in social sciences. Upon completion of this course research scholars would be expected to understand methodological significance of different social theories. This should help them in deciding upon methodologies for conducting their own research and, if necessary, initiate methodological innovation.

Pedagogy

This course is going to be transacted primarily through lectures. However, attempts will be made to infuse hands on learning in it through reflective exercises oriented towards development of capacity to apply this knowledge in their own fields of research.

Modules

  • Englightenment and social sciences
  • Positivism - Social world as objective reality
  • Analysis of community and culture
  • Materialist conception of history
  • Interpretative understanding, Symbolic Interactionism and Phenomenology
  • Feminism
  • Postmodernism

Reference

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  • Susen, Simon. (2015). The ‘Postmodern Turn’ in the social sciences (Chapter 4: From Modern to Postmodern Historiography? The ‘Contingent Turn’, pp. 136-170). Hampshire, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
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Tentative Assessment schedule with details of weightage:

S.No

Assessment

Date/period in which Assessment will take place

Weightage

1

Assessment 1

4th week

30%

2

Assessment 2

8th week

35%

3

Assessment 3

12th week

35%

 

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