This paper introduces and showcases social sciences at the University of Waikato, focusing on social scientists as researchers. Each week features 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.

Over the semester, guest speakers will come from a range of social science disciplines, including anthropology, history, philosophy, political science, sex & gender studies, social policy, and sociology. Follow-up lectures conducted by David Neilson (course convenor) will generally review and elaborate upon theories, concepts, debates or methods relevant to the guest lecture.

This paper considers the relation between empirical research, 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 David Neilson who will make links between the research discussed and relevant social science theory.
• tutorials and Moodle forum discussions designed to consolidate student's understandings of the central concepts and the readings.

Information regarding each assessment will be discussed on Moodle and in class. Students will have ample opportunity 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 David.

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 David 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.