Research Methods and Practice

Year
0
Academic year
2022-2023
Code
01019986
Subject Area
Área Científica do Menor
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

This curricular unit employs a multi-methods strategy aiming at promoting an active learning. As such, the curricular unit combines the expository method with the active engagement of students in the classroom, namely via the analysis and discussion of scientific papers, practical exercises, structured and semi-structured debates, and oral presentations based in the students' research. 

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit aims at exposing students to the fundamentals and mais queries related to research methods and practices in the understansing and analysis of social and political phenomena. It also intends to instill in students good research practices and provide them with skills to carry out different academic works in the broad field of Social Sciences and, in particular, European Studies.

With the completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Define the concepts of Ontology, Epistemology and Methodology

2. Describe Social Sciences research

3. Identify and produce different research works

4. Identify and implement research methods and practices in European Studies

5. Understand and implement a scientific problem formulation and the appropriate processes for its resolution, including bibliographic search, literature review, data collection and analysis, and conclusions.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to scientific knowledge: Ontology, Epistemology, Methodology and Reflexivity

2. Research in Social Sciences

3. Different research works: academic works and non-academic works

4. Research methods and practices in European Studies. 

Head Lecturer(s)

Inês Catarina Pereira da Costa Sousa

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Critical review (20%) + participation in debates and practical exercises in the classroom (20%): 40.0%
Research work: 60.0%

Bibliography

Alasuutari, P., Bickman, L., & Brannen, J. (Eds.). The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods. Sage.

Aliotta, M. (2018). Mastering Academic Writing in the Sciences: A Step-by-Step Guide. Routledge.

Bailey, S. (2017). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students (5ª ed.). Routledge.

Bryman, A. (2015). Social Research Methods (5ª ed.). Oxford University Press.

Johnson, J., Reynolds, H., & Mycoff, J. (2019). Political Science Research Methods. Sage.

Lamont, C. (2015). Research Methods in International Relations. Sage.

Pajo, B. (2017). Introduction to Research Methods: A Hands-On approach. Sage.

Powner, L. (2015) Empirical Research and Writing: A Political Science Student's Practical Guide. Sage.

Turner, K., Krenus, B., Ireland, L., & Pointon, Leigh (2011). Essential Academic Skills (2ª ed.) Oxford University Press.

Williams, C. (2015) Doing International Research: Global and Local Methods. Sage.