Admission requirements
Be registered as a student of LAS.
Description
This course is an introduction to the design, implementation, and reporting of a scientific research. The course covers the specific context for research in Latin America and the choice and delimitation of a subject for scientific analysis. The emphasis is on the theoretical underpinning and formulating a problem statement, research questions and hypotheses. During the seminars are formulating a research question and practicing writing techniques for the editors of the BA-thesis. The guidance focuses on the preparing of a BA-thesis.
Course objectives
At the end of the program, students will be able to:
1. Identify the characteristics of Latin America as a study area.
2. Learn about the various research methods and techniques in the social sciences.
3. Conceive a research proposal with a theoretical framework.
4. Learn the techniques and criteria for writing a BA-thesis
5. Prepare the design of the BA-thesis.
Timetable
Thursday 13:00-15:00 hours
Mode of instruction
This course has the format of a lecture (50%) and seminar (50%). In the course of the lectures, students will prepare a research proposal.
Course Load
5 EC = 140 hours in total. – Spent on attending lectures and seminars: 24 hours – Studying the compulsory literature: 40 hours – Completing assignments, whether in preparation at the college: 40 hours – Writing paper (including reading/research): 36 hours
Assessment method
The substance of this course is evaluated at different times.
A. Six drafts about specific methodological and technical aspects of a scientific proposal, basis for the BA-thesis.
The scoring for these 6 commands is equal to 60% of the final mark.
The aspects that will be evaluated are:
(a) writing skills (clarity in the reports)
(b) relevance and consistency regarding the chosen topic
© capacity to apply research techniques in the context of the chosen topic.
B. The individual active participation throughout the course is measured. The score for this aspect is equal to 10% of the final mark.
C. At the end of the course is submitted a final project. For this final project is a research proposal of at least 8 and up to 10 A4 pages with a table of contents for the BA-thesis worked out.
The score of the final project is equal to 30% of the final mark.
The aspects that will be assessed are:
(a) coherence and clarity in writing
(b) quality and quantity of the collected bibliographical resources
© accuracy of the investigation techniques on the chosen topic
(d) correct use of APA system
(d) structure and lay-out of the final project.
Formal rules and deadlines of each evaluated aspect will be given throughout the course.
The lecturers of Modern History will participate in three moments to give advice about the research proposal.
During the course, students will read a weekly average of 30 pages of the relevant literature. This material will form the basis of the research proposal.
Resit exam takes place if the mark of the final project is less than 6.0. Resit consists of a new improved version of the final project within a limited time.
Blackboard
Blackboard is used for providing study materials (literature and PowerPoint presentation of each session), methodological indications and instructions, specific information about each college, and the format of the written reports and the research proposal.
Reading list
BAARDA, B.; BAKKER, E.; FISCHER, T.; JULSING, M.; DE GOEDE, M.; PETERS, V. & VAN DER VELDEN, T. (2013). Basis kwalitatief onderzoek. Handleiding voor het opzetten en uitvoeren van kwalitatief onderzoek. Groningen/Houten: Noordhoff Uitgevers, 3e. druk.
BAARDA, D.B.; DE GOEDE, M.P.M. & TEUNISSEN, J. (1995). Kwalitatief onderzoek. Praktische handleiding voor het opzetten en uitvoeren van kwalitatief onderzoek. Houten: Educatieve Partners Nederland bv.
MIGCHELBRINK, FERDIE (2000). Praktijkgericht onderzoek in zorg en welzijn. Amsterdam: Uitgeverij SWP.
PADMOS, BRAM (2012). De scriptiesupporter. Een doeltreffende aanpak van je scriptie. Antwerpen-Apeldoorn: Garant, 11e druk.
VERSCHUREN, PIET & DOOREWAARD, HANS (1998). Het ontwerpen van een onderzoek. Utrecht: Lemma, 2e druk.
Registration
uSis.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registrations À la carte or Contractonderwijs are not available.
Contact
Dhr. Dr. P.A. Isla Monsalve
tel.: +31 (0)71 5272061
Remarks
Class attendance is compulsory. The student is allowed to miss a maximum of 3 sessions. In the case of more absences, the lecturer may decide to impose supplementary assignments on the student.