Course Code

CHES4003

Course Name

Research Team Lab

Time

Mon 8:30am - 11:15am

Venue

HYS_G06

Instructor

Prof. Jacqueline Zhenru Lin

Teaching Assistant

HU Yijun

Course Description

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the research process and equips them with the necessary qualitative field methods. Throughout the course, we will delve into the fundamental aspects of research, giving you a clear sense of how research projects are initiated and conducted. We will explore the different stages of the research process, from formulating research questions to analysing data and building arguments.

This course also offers hands-on guidance on qualitative research methods, including participant observation, ethnographic fieldwork, in-depth interviews, and content analysis. Students will examine common problems and ethical issues related to data collection and acquire critical and reflective thinking skills. Students are expected to work closely with each other as a team throughout the research process under the guidance of the instructor. By the end of the course, they will be prepared to embark on their final year project.

Course Outline

Week

Date

Topic

1

Sep 4

Introduction

2

Sep 9

From Topics to Questions, From Questions to a

Problem

3

Sep 16

Ethnography and Participant Observation

4

Sep 23

 Participant Observation (Bibliography Essay Due)

5

Sep 30

Work on your bibliography Essay and fieldwork, recommend to schedule a one-to-one supervision

6

Oct 7

7

Oct 14

Presenting Bibliographic Essay

8

Oct 21

Internet Research/Content Analysis

9

Oct 28

Work on your content analysis assignment, recommend to schedule a one-to-one supervision

Content analysis assignment due on 3rd November

10

Nov 4

11

Nov 11

Presenting your ethnographic fieldwork (Ethnographic Report Due)

12

Nov 18

Work on your summative Report; recommend to schedule a one-to-one supervision

13

Nov 25

 

Assessment & Assignments

[Class Participation]                                                                20%

[Bibliography Essay]                                                              15%

[Content Analysis]                                                                  20%

[In-depth Interview Outline/Transcript]                                  20%

[Ethnographic Essay]                                                              25%

Honesty in Academic Work

Attention is drawn to University policy and regulations on honesty in academic work, and to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures applicable to breaches of such policy and regulations. Details may be found at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/.