Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title USING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS IN RESEARCH
Code SOCI570
Coordinator Prof D Whyte
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
David.Whyte@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 5

Aims

This module has two principal aims:

1) To provide students with an understanding of the uses and applications of data obtained by Freedom of Information requests, and to develop an ability to analyse, write up and disseminate data obtained in this way.

2) To provide a historical and political contexts to the development of the right to freedom of information in the UK.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students completing this module will aquire a historically grounded understanding of debates on secrecy and the state contol of knowledge.

(LO2) Students completing this module will aquire a detailed working knowledge of entitlements to data provided by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

(LO3) Students completing this module will develop the ability to develop practical strategies to obtain offical data.

(LO4) Students completing this module will learn how to appropriately analyse, write up and publish data obtained by Freedom of Information requests.

(S1) Media literacy online critically reading and creatively producing academic and professional communications in a range of media.

(S2) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

Syllabus
 

The content of the module will be organised across the following four topics:

•Secrecy and the state control of knowledge
•The Freedom of Information Act 2000
•Freedom of information requests: a practical guide
•Dissemination and publication of results

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Workshops
Description: One 8 hour workshop
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: The module will comprise a single workshop, taking place over a full day.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           8

 8
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 42
TOTAL HOURS 50

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Data Request There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  500 Words    20       
Data blog There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  800 Words    80       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.