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2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DESN5314M Cultural Research Methods

15 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Mariana Suter
Email: m.suter@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module prepares the student for devising and undertaking the major research project for the MA. Through conducting a literature review, formulating a researchquestion and plan, the student is prepared to discuss their research plans with theirsupervisor for either "Fashion Realisation and Contextual studies" DESN 5316M or"Dissertation" DESN 5317M

Objectives

This module aims to provide students with understanding and insight into a range of
methods that might be applied to design research. The module introduces a broad
range of generic research methods followed by more focused exploration of specific
methods, techniques and issues appropriate to marketing, organisational and
consumer behaviour. The module will introduce cultural research approaches as may
be relevant for systematic problem analysis and the translation of marketing /
management problems into appropriate researchable questions. The module
introduces students to the key competencies required to be a critical reader of
research, utilising conceptual, practical, collaborative, reflexive and critical skills
alongside the development of key skills which will be essential for the solution of
problems within the field of business /entrepreneurship.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should have provided evidence of being able
to:
- understand the epistemological basis of social/cultural research, identifying
relevant contextual and empirical literature
- gain insight into a range of methodological approaches: distinguish between
methods of data collection and identify suitable methods of analysis
- understand the characteristics of established methodologies and be able to
evaluate their effectiveness within their own research
- develop their own approach to the formulation of research design, appraising the
selection and developing appropriate conceptual and practical tools
-appraise research results in the context of critical reflection upon their own and
others' research
- show an understanding of ethical issues within their research

Skills outcomes
• Gain an understanding in how to contextualise specific cultural research in epistemological and theoretical grounding methods and cultural theory approaches
• Formulate appropriate research questions which look to embed practical questions in a theoretically-informed framework
• Plan relevant research design
• Become familiar with the logic and practice of narrative and visual methods
• Make use of a variety of methods to collect data
• Critically evaluate own research and that of others

Syllabus

Research methodologies are introduced and reviewed, together with a discussion of
relevant social and ethical issues. The concept of a literature review is introduced and
its significance in undertaking research. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are examined - specifically in terms of techniques for data collection and application.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Drop-in Session	3	1.00	3.00
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Independent online learning hours			40.00
Private study hours			85.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Independent online learning:
Range of online exercises (e.g. search strategies and online Q&A): 40 hrs
Private study:
Research for project evaluation and literature review: 20 hrs
Reading and preparation for lectures: 22 hours
Assignment preparation: 43 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is primarily monitored through ongoing engagement within the seminars.
Opportunities for formative assessment are provided through drop in sessions

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Literature Review	3750-4250 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The assignment set is a literature review that examines an area of fashion enterprise or culture, identifies potential research questions and research methods. A consideration of the ethics of the research methods will be considered. A resit would be offered that will require exactly the same type of work – essential as it will help develop the project or dissertation.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 17/08/2018

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