LFU:online

Students will learn the methodology of scientific work. - The introductory seminar will offer an introduction to the working techniques of scientific research and writing, and it will introduce to the student different aspects of scientific work; for instance, searching for literature, drafting a core question or hypothesis, and different quotation styles will be taught (Curriculum, §5; fw).

"Intellectual life is a dialogue among people interested in the same topic". This analysis by the sociologist Everett C. Hughes indicate an important cornerstone of scientific work: its communicative character. Methods and techniques of scientific work have no end in itself. They do not only serve the production of scientific knowledge, but also its communication/circulation and discussion within related groups, meaning parts of the scientific community or – in special cases – even the public. 

This seminar serves as an introduction into the methods of social sciences and its textual representations to make students familiar with various aspects of scientific work. The course addresses the acquaintance and practical handling of pivotal techniques of „reading-writing-talking-discussing“ of scientific texts. The students get familiar with scientific inquiries (esp. scientific literature), citing, articulating a research question and the development of scientific argumentation. On the other hand there will be occasions to exercise talks/presentations and critique of decisive scientific theories in social research.

Continuous assessment (based on regular written and/or oral contribution by participants).

Course examination according to § 7, statute section on "study-law regulations"

Bauman, Zygmunt. 1984. Vom Nutzen der Soziologie. Frankfurt a. M.: Suhrkamp

Esselborn-Krumbiegel, Helga. 2008. Von der Idee zum Text. Eine Anleitung zum wissenschaftlichen Schreiben. Paderborn: Ferdinand Schöningh

Kneer, Georg und Markus Schroer. 2010. Handbuch Spezielle Soziologien. Wiesbaden: Springer

Leuze, Kathrin und Hella von Unger. 2015. Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten im Soziologiestudium. Paderborn: Wilhelm Fink

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