All programmes > Research Design and Methodology

Research Design and Methodology (B-KUL-N0A81A)

6 ECTSEnglish39 Both termsCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Wolfs Wouter (coordinator) |  Wolfs Wouter |  N. |  De Ridder Widukind (substitute)
OC Master European Studies – Letteren

Aims

Upon completion of this course, the student can/ is able to:

  • The student can independently look up relevant sources, select them, assess them critically and refer to them correctly;
  • The student can translate a problem into research questions and make the connection with relevant academic literature;
  • The student can identify and critically evaluate the most common research methods and designs in multiple disciplines;
  • The student can select the most appropriate research method(s) to collect data, substantiate this choice in a scientific way, and explain its strengths and weaknesses;
  • The student is able to express him/herself in correctly spoken and written standard language;
  • The student can reflect on his/her own research and that of fellow students, and can process constructive feedback in an appropriate manner.

These aims are communicated to the students at the beginning of the academic year.

 

Previous knowledge

At the beginning of this course the student has already achieved the following aims:

  • The student is familiar with academic research methods;
  • The student can work independently.

 

Order of Enrolment


This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
N0A39C : Master's Thesis
N0A36D : Masterproef

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

6 ects. Research Design and Methodology (B-KUL-N0A81a)

6 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture39 Both terms
Wolfs Wouter |  N. |  De Ridder Widukind (substitute)
OC Master European Studies – Letteren

Content

The main aim of the course is to support students in designing their master’s thesis research.

This learning activity consists  of different parts: weblectures/knowledge clips, interactive lectures on campus and group discussions (so called peer review sessions).

Preparation of start report and Peer review sessions

Then, during three peer review sessions, students work through various steps that prepare them to write their start report. Prior to each session, students write a short paper in which they apply what they have learned regarding the research question, literature review, methodology and data analysis plan. This way, students develop the main components of their research proposal for the master's thesis. During the peer review sessions, the papers are critically discussed. The timely submission of the short papers and participation in the peer review sessions is mandatory.

Course material

The course will use the following course materials which will be made available on Toledo:

  • (Recommended) literature;
  • Slides.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Research Design and Methodology (B-KUL-N2A81a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project, Self assessment/Peer assessment, Participation during contact hours, Skills test
Learning material : None

Explanation


Evaluation characteristics

The timely submission of the short papers and participation in the peer review sessions is mandatory.

 

Determination of the final result

The course is evaluated by the teacher, as announced via Toledo and the examination regulations. The result is calculated and expressed as an integer out of 20.

 

Second examination opportunity

The evaluation characteristics and/or the determination of the result of the retake exam are different from the first examination opportunity.

 

 

Information about retaking exams

Information about the second exam period will be explained on Toledo.