LFU:online

The aim of this course is to provide an overview over methodological positions in the social sciences and their implications for conducting research. By the end of the course students will

·         have a profound overview over basic methodological alternatives in the social sciences;

·         be able to reflect on the implications of these methodological alternatives on research; and

• have developed an own preferred methodological position vis-á-vis their own doctoral research projects.

In the course students will

- be introduced to basic methodological alternatives in the social sciences;

- analyze exemplary scientific publications regarding their methodological positions and their consequences;

- reflect the consequences of different methodological positions on their own PhD projects.

Basic readings in methodology; studying and analyzing research papers; term papers; group work and in-class discussions.

Group presentation and written summary of a methodological approach and related handout (40%); analyzing examples of research papers (30%); one individual reflection paper on implications for own doctoral research (30%).

Basic reading:
Baert, P. (2005). Philosophy of the social sciences: Towards pragmatism. Cambridge: Polity Press.

None.

Participation in classes is compulsory.