Research Design
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
To understand the basic tools of academic production- reading, writing, craftsmanship, theory, and the scholarly conversation.
To obtain a basic overview of both qualitative and quantitative techniques in the social sciences.
To obtain a basic overview of both qualitative and quantitative techniques in the social sciences.
Expected learning outcomes
To produce a research proposal that meets the standards of Masters-level scientific work, that includes a range of methods and a starting point research question.
To analyze that research proposal in the context of debates about the social sciences and the possibilities of scientific research.
To analyze that research proposal in the context of debates about the social sciences and the possibilities of scientific research.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
(1) To understand the basic tools of academic production- reading, writing, craftsmanship, theory, and the scholarly conversation.
(2) To obtain a basic overview of both qualitative and quantitative techniques in the social sciences.
(2) To obtain a basic overview of both qualitative and quantitative techniques in the social sciences.
Prerequisites for admission
The course will be delivered in English. In general, a basic familiarity with research methods at an undergraduate level should be sufficient preparation for this course.
Teaching methods
Lessons in classroom with students' participation to discussion of examples and applications proposed by the teacher.
Teaching Resources
Readings (To Buy)
John Levi Martin (2017). Thinking Through Methods: A Social Science Primer. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press
John Levi Martin (2018). Thinking Through Statistics. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press
Esther Hargatti (2020). Research Exposed How Empirical Social Science Gets Done in the Digital Age. New York, NY: Columbia University Press
Additional Readings (To Download)
Kevin Barnhurst, "Reading in the Social Sciences."
Bruno Latour (2005). Reassembling the Social. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press [excerpt]
Raewynn Connell (2007). Southern Theory: Social Science And The Global Dynamics Of Knowledge. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley- Blackwell [excerpt]
C. Wright Mills (1959). The Sociological Imagination. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press [excerpts]
Richard Swedberg (2012). "Theorizing in sociology and social science: turning to the context of discovery." Theory and Society 41(1): 1- 40
Jon Elster (2007). Explaining Social Behavior: More Nuts and Bolts of the Social Sciences. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press [excerpt]
Paul Diesing (1991). How Does Social Science Work? Reflections on Practice [excerpt]
Howie S. Becker (1998). Tricks of the Trade: How to Think About Your Research While You're Doing It. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press [excerpt]
Kristin Luker (2008). Salsa Dancing Into the Social Sciences. Cambridge, UK: Harvard University Press
Peter Winch (1990). The Idea of a Social Science and Its' Relation to Philosophy. Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Routledge
John Levi Martin (2017). Thinking Through Methods: A Social Science Primer. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press
John Levi Martin (2018). Thinking Through Statistics. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press
Esther Hargatti (2020). Research Exposed How Empirical Social Science Gets Done in the Digital Age. New York, NY: Columbia University Press
Additional Readings (To Download)
Kevin Barnhurst, "Reading in the Social Sciences."
Bruno Latour (2005). Reassembling the Social. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press [excerpt]
Raewynn Connell (2007). Southern Theory: Social Science And The Global Dynamics Of Knowledge. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley- Blackwell [excerpt]
C. Wright Mills (1959). The Sociological Imagination. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press [excerpts]
Richard Swedberg (2012). "Theorizing in sociology and social science: turning to the context of discovery." Theory and Society 41(1): 1- 40
Jon Elster (2007). Explaining Social Behavior: More Nuts and Bolts of the Social Sciences. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press [excerpt]
Paul Diesing (1991). How Does Social Science Work? Reflections on Practice [excerpt]
Howie S. Becker (1998). Tricks of the Trade: How to Think About Your Research While You're Doing It. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press [excerpt]
Kristin Luker (2008). Salsa Dancing Into the Social Sciences. Cambridge, UK: Harvard University Press
Peter Winch (1990). The Idea of a Social Science and Its' Relation to Philosophy. Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Routledge
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written research plan + Oral exam
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Anderson Christopher
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)