This paper is an introduction to and showcase of the social sciences at the University of Waikato, with a focus on social scientists as researchers. Each week will feature a social scientist presenting their research, supported by a related publication. This research will then be discussed in the follow-up lecture to demonstrate how it illustrates key themes of the respective researcher's specific discipline, and of the social sciences in general.
This paper provides an understanding of how empirical research within the social sciences is conducted, and how research is both informed by and contributes to social science theory. Students will also be introduced to key areas of relevance to the social sciences, such as:

• relationships between structure and agency;
• social constructionism;
• relations of power and inequality.

ARTSC111-21A (HAM) Social Science Theory and Action has three components that will occur in most weeks:

• a weekly lecture given by a University of Waikato social scientist who will talk about their work. This is supported by a publication based on the research being discussed.
• a follow-up lecture given by Brent making links between the research discussed and relevant social science theory. This will be supported by an introductory reading on the central theory of relevance.
• tutorials designed to consolidate student's understandings of the central concepts and the readings.

Information regarding each assessment will be delivered in class (including a detailed handout for written assessments), and via Moodle. Students will have ample opportunity in both lectures and tutorials to discuss and clarify the requirements for the assessments. Understanding these requirements is a crucial part of successfully undertaking the assessments - if you are unsure of how to complete a particular assessment, discuss this with either your tutor or Brent.

As noted below, all referencing must be in APA format. As well as the link below, a 'quick guide' to APA referencing will be provided on Moodle. In the lecture schedule below there are examples of full APA referencing. Students who are unfamiliar with the conventions of academic referencing are advised to attend a workshop at the library - a link will be provided via Moodle once the library has scheduled these workshops.

Moodle is the primary online support system for this paper. Notices are sent to the class via Moodle frequently, and it is thus important that you can be contacted through this medium - please ensure that the email contact the University has for you is one that you check regularly.

Lecture notes, some readings, links to useful websites, assessment resources, and other helpful material will be placed on Moodle.

If a notice is sent out via Moodle, it is assumed that you have received it. If material is placed on Moodle, it is assumed that you have access to it. If, for any reason, you are unable to access Moodle, please advise Brent so that alternative arrangements can be made until you do have Moodle access.

Students are expected to utilise the material available on Moodle as relevant, but must also undertake independent research to locate further appropriate material for assessments and other aspects of the paper. Reading a range of academic material relevant to a topic is crucial to adequately complete any assessment.

Student Learning also provide a range of online resources to enhance study skills (https://www.waikato.ac.nz/teaching-and-learning/student-learning/study-skills) The 'Academic integrity' module relates specifically to referencing in academic work. These resources are available to all students (along with face-to-face support from Student Learning), and it is expected that students will utilise them, especially with respect to areas that are identified as needing attention in assessment feedback.