58137 Theory and Narrative
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 0 cp
Result type: Pass fail, no marks
Description
In this research training subject students develop a deep understanding of key theories relevant to their field of research. They apply established and emerging theories to a body of knowledge to deepen the thesis topic. Through this students develop their capacity for critical reflection, exploring theoretical perspectives to establish their own research narrative. Students reflect on ways to bring theory into practice to produces outcomes, be they creative or otherwise. They lead seminars and participate with others to cross-fertilise and co-inspire. Students gain an appreciation of the process of critical reflection and the uses of theory to illuminate practice, enabling new insights, original narratives and wider social impact.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | identify, synthesise, and apply theoretical approaches to specific areas of inquiry across the humanities and social sciences |
|---|---|
| b. | demonstrate a capacity to analyse and critique theoretical works in the humanities and social sciences |
| c. | demonstrate a critical understanding of values and assumptions embedded in different ways of knowing |
| d. | communicate theoretical ideas in a clear, logical, and persuasive way. |
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject uses both participatory and independent learning modes. These may involve sustained small-group and whole-class discussions, peer-led critique, scaffolded learning to develop independent project management skills, formal presentation of research to peers and advanced digital library research skills.
Students meet face-to-face at the start of the subject and then participate in a weekly online workshop to explore theoretical concerns. Topic choice is driven by student interest and discussion is led by student presentations. In the second half of the subject students participate in a second more extended face-to-face workshop centred on Assignment 2.
Students are required to engage actively with literature in preparation for seminars and as part of the assessment process. While there is an emphasis on independent work and inquiry, active student learning will be supported by early and ongoing feedback from both peers and instructors on performance in weekly class activities and through workshopping of assessment tasks.
This is a pass/fail research training subject.
Content (topics)
This subject enables you to develop your understanding of the relationship between theory and research practice. It explores key theories relevant to student thesis topics and the program is designed by teaching staff and students. The social and historical underpinnings of key theoretical concepts are considered and students are encouraged to engage critically with schools of thought relevant to their thesis topic that have proved influential across a range of disciplines and fields of practice.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Review of Relevant Scholarship
| Objective(s): | a, b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1000 words | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Theoretical discussion
| Objective(s): | a, b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 60% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
In this subject assessment tasks are scaffolded and linked to the research thesis. Each task builds understanding and/or skills, informed by formative feedback. Consequently, all assessments must be submitted for students to receive feedback. Students who do not submit all assessments will not pass the subject.
References
There are no required texts for this subject. Recommended readings will be available via UTS Library and through the subject site.
INDICATIVE REFERENCES
Adler, P. et al, 2014, The Oxford handbook of sociology, social theory and organisation studies: contemporary currents, OUP, Oxford.
Baikady, R. et al, 2021, Palgrave handbook of global social problems, Palgrave, Basingstoke
Barrett, E., Bolt, B., 2007, Practice as Research: Approaches in Creative Arts Inquiry, I B Taurus & Co, London.
Bryant, A. & Charmaz, K., 2019, The SAGE handbook of current developments in grounded theory, Sage, London.
Connell, R., 20007, Southern theory: Social Science And The Global Dynamics Of Knowledge, Polity, Cambridge.Delanty, G. and Turner, S., 2022, Routledge international handbook of contemporary social and political theory, 2nd edition, Routledge, London.
Denis, A. et al, 2009 The ISA handbook in contemporary sociology: conflict, competition, cooperation, Sage, London.
Elliott, A., 2021, Routledge Handbook of social and cultural theory, 2nd edition, Routledge, London.
Geroulanos, S., 2024, Routledge handbook of the history and sociology of ideas, Routledge, London.
Goldblatt, D., 2004, Knowledge and the social sciences: theory, method, practice, 2nd edition, Open University, Buckingham.
Grindstaff, L., 2028, Routledge handbook of cultural sociology. 2nd edition, Routledge, London.
Großkopf, S., 2008, Handbook 0n discourse analysis in the social sciences, theories and methods,
Horn, L. et al, 2023, Palgrave handbook of global politics in the 22nd century, Palgrave, Basingstoke.
Hossfeld, L. et al, 2021, Routledge handbook of public sociology, Routledge, London.
Leicht, K., 2009, Handbook of politics: state and society in global perspective, Springer, New York.
Light, R. et al, 2021, Oxford handbook of social networks, OUP, Oxford.
Miike, Y., 2022, The handbook of global interventions in communication theory, Taylor & Francis, Basingstoke.
Pryke, M., Rose, G. and Whatmore, S., eds,, 2003, Using social theory: thinking through research, Sage, London.
Rutazibwa, O. et al, 2018, Routledge handbook of postcolonial politics, Routledge, London.
Sabbagh, C. et al, 2016, Handbook of social justice theory and research, Springer, New York.
Smith, H., and Dean, R., eds,, 2009, Practice-Led Research, Research-Led Practice in the Creative Arts, Research Methods for the Arts and Humanities,, Edinburgh UP, Edinburgh.
Stengers, I., 2000, The Invention of Modern Science, Minnesota University Press, Minneapolis.
Thompson, M., 2017, Palgrave handbook of critical theory, Palgrave, Basingstoke.