LFU:online

Curr. 2021 § 5 (1) 13: Students acquire the ability to individually plan (research and study design, research hypoth-eses or heuristics, survey and evaluation procedure) and implement (data collection and eval-uation as well as result presentation) an empirical sociological research project as well as to relate theory, methodology and empirical research.

In the course of the 2-semester class, the students will conduct an empirical, sociological project that addresses questions concretized by participants (in small groups) related to the research area of law and society. Students work together in small groups on self-chosen sub-topics within the overall topic. The first semester focuses on the identification of concrete (literature-based) research-topics and the development of a research design. Specific thematic as well as methodological decisions will be discussed on the basis of the contribution of the small groups. Choices of methods follow the unique requirements of the research field – possible quantitative projects should be preceded by qualitative exploration. Not only should participants be enabled to carry out a research project but also to jointly reflect on progress and setbacks of the process as well as on pre-suppositions. Moreover, understandings of “the law” should be broadened, the relevance of law in everyday life as well as the relationship of law and/in society will be discussed. A joint focus in the research field of law and/in society is possible and will be discussed at the beginning of the course.

Short Inputs, common readings and discussion of theoretical as well as methodological literature, work in small groups, literature memos, presentations, field diaries or memos, research report   

Assessment criteria:
(a) active participation and presence in class (also virtual classes)
(b) (Preparation of) readings - incl. oligatory preparatory readings the first session!
(c) diary entries or memos
(d) documentation and argumentation of the research process of the small groups (presentations, handouts, research report / research design)

Preparotory readings will be announced after closing of registration via e-mail! Further literature will be announced in class.

successful completion of compulsory modules 4 and 5