Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit introduces students to research methods in theology, religious education, and philosophy and prepares them for a coursework master’s research project. Students survey and critique a selection of research methods, focusing on conceptual frameworks, methods, sources, and resources most relevant to their research project. The unit assists students to frame research questions, conduct literature surveys, contextualise and analyse diverse sources, identify relevant resources, understand issues relating to research ethics and data management and security, and explore the design of their research project. The unit aims to enable students to construct robust research projects informed by rigorous and ethical scholarly frameworks.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate advanced writing and research skills a...
Learning Outcome 01
Interpret and apply a selection of research method...
Learning Outcome 02
Design a comprehensive framework for a research pr...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
The unit will include topics such as:
· Theories, sources, and methods in theological, religious education and philosophical research
· Data and information management and analysis
· Research ethics and integrity
· Use of specialist digital resources for research purposes (e.g. databases, specialist software, quantitative methods packages, bibliographic/information management tools, use of AI).
· Developing a research proposal, interpreting and evaluating primary and secondary source material, and constructing a literature review.
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to pass this unit, students are required to complete all assessment tasks and attain an overall pass grade for the unit by demonstrating the achievement of a minimum standard across all Learning Outcomes.
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome.
The assessment strategy for the unit is designed around the premise that students typically learn best when content and assessment are relevant and have clear applications. Consequently, each of the assessment tasks is modelled on core research activities undertaken by researchers in a range of professional contexts. The assessment tasks are formative and summative and are scaffolded to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate attainment of the learning outcomes.
The skills developed in this unit are designed to support students in the development of a research project of their choosing in theology, religious education, or philosophy. To that end, the assessment tasks require students to locate, organise, interpret and synthesise information in order to produce a research proposal. The assessment tasks aim to develop a range of research-related skills that are translatable to diverse contexts, including further Higher Degree Research study and employment across multiple sectors.
The first task asks students critically to evaluate relevant literature to provide a review of the scholarly debate on the student’s chosen topic, enabling them to develop a set of proposed research questions. This task aligns with Learning Outcomes 1 and 3 by requiring students to display advanced research skills, especially in information literacy, evaluation of academic sources, and development of key components of research project design, namely a literature review and research questions.
The second task requires students to build a critical understanding of research methodologies, enabling them to display achievement of Learning Outcomes 1 and 2 by evaluating research methods relevant to their project.
The third task assesses all three Learning Outcomes by asking students to design a research proposal. Students will demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge of relevant literature and methods by designing a research proposal, including by setting out research questions and the project’s proposed argument, methodology, and structure.
Overview of assessments
ASSIGNMENT 1: Literature Review and Research Ques...
ASSIGNMENT 1: Literature Review and Research Questions
Students will critically evaluate relevant literature in order to develop research questions.
20%
ASSIGNMENT 2: Research Methods Students will eva...
ASSIGNMENT 2: Research Methods
Students will evaluate different methodological frameworks for research.
30%
ASSIGNMENT 3: Research Proposal Students will de...
ASSIGNMENT 3: Research Proposal
Students will develop a research proposal setting out the key elements of their project design.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit involves 150 hours of focused learning. The total includes formally structured learning activities such as live workshops in the online classroom or discussion forums. The remaining hours typically involve reading, research, and the preparation of tasks for assessment.
Underlying the teaching and learning strategy are constructivist and andragogical principles which emphasise that students are active, adult learners who engage best when what they are learning is relevant to them and they are responsible for their own learning.
Peer-assisted and collaborative learning are central to the design of this unit. The priority during the online workshops will be working together to refine and discuss research methodologies, use of relevant resources, and project design (including information management, analysis of data and sources, and research ethics considerations).
A key component of this unit is its interdisciplinary nature. Students will gain an overview of research methods and conceptual frameworks across religious education, theology, and philosophy, while also being able to develop specialist skills in their main areas of interest.