Home>Course>[CHES3500] Chinese Studies Research Methods>CHES3500

This course prepares advanced undergraduate students for their final year capstone research projects. The main product of the course will be a research proposal that will, ideally, be followed through to develop the thesis research paper to be submitted at the end of Term 2. There are three aims to the course: 1) to gain familiarity with research methods of the various disciplines in the humanities and social sciences; 2) to explore several styles of scholarship; 3) to learn how to undertake an advanced university-level research project and produce an interesting, productive research proposal.
This workshop-style class will methodically guide students toward achieving their objectives. They will be introduced to essential concepts in qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs within the social sciences, humanities, literature, and film studies. Through practical discussions, students will be encouraged to start thinking about their own research topics and engage in data collection and analysis exercises.
Additionally, CCS faculty members will be invited to present their research disciplines and primary methodologies to students, introducing them to the diverse research opportunities available for their capstone projects.
The mode of instruction is highly interactive and requires students to actively participate in class discussions, complete research exercises, make presentations, conduct peer review, and continuously work on their own projects. In the end of this course, students are required to present a revised research proposal, identifying interesting topics, compiling references, making bibliographies, formulating research questions, choosing appropriate research methods, and writing up research plans and goals.
Please note that, depending on the progress of learning, this syllabus may change during the course. Changes will be announced by the instructor in advance.

Introduction: Research on China and What is the Capstone Project

Research Matters

Academic Writing

Research Topic and Research Question

Literature Review and Finding Sources

Interviews

Survey Research

Data Analysis and Other Methodologies