Home>Course>[CHES5003] China Studies Research Methods>CHES5003

The primary aims of this course are to:

• familiarize students with research methods across various disciplines in humanities and social sciences;
• explore different styles of scholarship; and
• teach students how to undertake an advanced university-level research project and produce a compelling and productive research proposal.

For students intending to write a thesis, this course offers the opportunity to begin designing their research questions and methods.

This workshop-style class will guide students step by step towards achieving these objectives. Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts in both qualitative and quantitative research methods and designs within the social sciences. These concepts will be discussed practically, encouraging students to think about research topics they have encountered and to engage in data collection and analysis exercises. The mode of instruction is highly interactive, requiring students to actively participate in class discussions, complete research exercises, make presentations, conduct peer reviews, and continuously work on their own projects.

Please note that, depending on the progress of learning, this syllabus may change during the course. Any changes will be announced by the instructor in advance.

Week 1: Introduction: Research on China

Week 2: Research Matters and Academic Writing

Week 3: Designing a Research Project

Week 4: Literature Review and Finding Sources

Week 5: Survey Research

Week 6: Interviews

Week 7: Data Analysis

Week 8: The “So what?” question and settling on a worthwhile hypothesis

Week 9: Reading as a research method: how to read critically

Week 10: Writing as a research method: how to write effective humanities essays (rhetoric and the uneven “U”)

Week 11: Digital humanities: opportunities and pitfalls in the age of AI

Week 12: Case studies in humanities research

Week 13: Research impact: understanding how humanities research projects can have value both academically and socially