Aims

This seminar aims to help students develop an ability to incorporate three kinds of know
how: theoretical courses, methods, and fieldwork.
By the end of the course, students will be able to plan and complete the various stages of
a research project from A to Z.
With regard to methods and analytical techniques, students will be able to choose whichever is the most appropriate for dealing with a research item, for carrying out the research, and for
correctly interpreting the outcomes.

Main themes

Conducting a research project from A to Z in a seminar setting: defining the point of
departure, formulating hypotheses and drawing up a theoretical framework, constructing analytical models (operationalisation), choosing and implementing a way of collecting (quantitative) information, choosing and implementing a way of analysing information, and interpretation and discussion of the whole exercise and of the results obtained.
Learning various quantitative methods and techniques of analysis: interpreting results,
evaluating their validity, and sociological interpretation.

Content and teaching methods

The teaching method is mainly inductive, and is derived from project based learning.
A research project will be carried out from A to Z during the seminar on a theme to be
determined by the teacher and the students.
In addition to attending seminar sessions, students will be expected to do work on their
own and in sub groups.
Quantitative methods will be learned from an inductive perspective, that is to say through
examples, reading and the interpretation of outcomes.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

A basic knowledge of statistics: an introduction into research work; an introduction to
informatics in social sciences.
Assessment will be ongoing, and will focus on contributions made by students to completion
of the research, and to the production and defence of a summarised report.
Support will be provided gradually depending on how much progress is made on the work. It
will include a reading list, a reading portfolio, and examples of research.
There will be no special supervision.
An Internet website will be used as a communications tool among students on the seminar.

Other credits in programs