Research Methods (研究方法)

Synopsis

CHS401 introduces students to the fundamental tools and approaches of research in Chinese Studies. It surveys the history of Chinese Studies as an intellectual discipline and supports a critical engagement with influential works from that discipline. Familiarising students with the major methodological approaches to research design, data collection, data mining, textual analysis and criticism, argument formation and literature review, this course will also focus on the analysis of different kinds of research materials and primary sources, as well as assess the challenges and opportunities when adopting these methods in the field of Chinese studies. These methods are not exhaustive in any sense; they will be shaped by students' individual research needs.

Level: 4
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN

Topics

Introduction: Research on China
Research Matters
Designing a Research Project
Literature Review
Finding Sources
Survey Research
Qualitative Methods
Ethnographic Methods
Corpus and Data Analysis
Textual Analysis and Criticism
Ethics
Presentation of research in written and oral form

Learning Outcome

Distinguish the major themes, issues, and methods of research in Chinese Studies
Examine the relevance and validity of Chinese sources
Discuss the relevance of different research methodologies
Inspect the methods of research in Chinese Studies
Organise published research and resources to solve specific practical research questions
Propose appropriate research methods and strategies in researching their chosen topics

Full-time Programmes Part-time Programmes

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Research Methods (研究方法)