Admission requirements
This course is only available for students in the BA International Studies.
Description
“There is nothing more practical than a good theory” said psychologist Kurt Lewin (1952). Practising International Studies is a consultancy project course where teams of students analyze real life cases and problems presented by organizational leaders that operate in international environments. These leaders appeal to student teams to use their broad and multiperspective background in International Studies and research capabilities to provide them with novel insights that can assist them in their future decision-making.
First, the organizational leaders will visit the university to introduce their organization and international challenge during a kick-off session. Student teams will have the opportunity to pose questions and gather the necessary information about the organization and the context surrounding the problem. Next, faculty members and other guest speakers will teach students the academic background of these real life problems through lectures.
With this input, student teams will translate the problem into relevant and analyzable research questions and write a sound project plan. Each team will divide responsibilities by utilizing each member’s expertise in certain areas and disciplines and skills. Based on this task division, each student contributes to the team by conducting research and presenting findings in weekly project tutorials. Throughout these tutor-guided meetings, the findings from all studies will be discussed, refined and integrated by each team. Students will also attend two workshops where they will to learn about research and consultancy skills and techniques needed to deliver real practical value to clients through academic research.
This finally results in a report containing an interdisciplinary analysis and detailed recommendations on the courses of action for the organization. The report is presented in front of a committee consisting of representatives from the university and the organization. The committee will select a winning team based on the insights and recommendations communicated in the final report and presentation.
Course objectives
This course aims to:
further develop research skills such as problem formulation, literature review, theory building and case study research.
build the ability to critically assess real-life cases of organizations and develop recommendations.
teach concepts and ideas from International Studies as practical tools for analysis (bridge theory and practice).
expose students to the complexities and challenges faced by organizations and their leaders for career orientation and development.
build teamwork competencies, the ability to brainstorm, debate and integrate perspectives through group work and collaboration.
build skills to write, present and defend research findings in a professional and structured way.
Timetable
The timetable is available on the BA International Studies website.
Mode of instruction
(Guest-) Lectures, project tutorials, workshops, final presentation and closing meeting.
All sessions are mandatory. If you are not able to attend a session, please inform the instructor of the course and tutor. Being absent without notification will result in a lower grade or expulsion from the course
Course Load
A brief calculation of the course load, 5 EC x 28 hours is 140 hours, broken down by:
Time spent on attending lectures, workshops, project tutorials and presentations: 22 hours
Time to conduct research and prepare for tutorials 72 hours
Time to write individual research report 23 hours
Time to write the final group report and prepare presentation 23 hours
Assessment method
The course is assessed through 4 methods which are participation graded within project tutorials, individual research report, group research report and final presentation.
Assessment and Weighing
| Partial grade | Weighing |
|---|---|
| Participation | 10% |
| Individual report | 40% |
| Final group report | 40% |
| Presentation | 10% |
Endgrade
To successfully complete the course, please take note of the following:
The endgrade of the course is established through a weighted average of participation, individual and group reports, and presentation.
The weighted average should be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
If the endgrade is insufficient (lower than a 6), there is a possibility of re-submitting the individual report, replacing the earlier grade. The maximum possible grade obtained for this re-submission is a 6.0. No resit for the other assessment methods is possible.
Blackboard
Students are requested to register on Blackboard for this course.
Reading list
The course guide including instruction, schedule and guidelines will be posted on Blackboard.
Readings will be made available through Blackboard.
Registration
Within the course Practising International Studies there are 6 consultancy projects.
Registration occurs via survey only. Registration opens on December 10th:
1) Enroll on the Blackboard course page to review the six consultancy projects and their schedules.
2) Access the online survey via Blackboard on Sunday Dec 10th 2017 14:00 PM (C.E.T) and fill in your choices (the survey will close on December 17th 14:00 PM).
Based on these registrations and the desired mix of student teams in area expertise, you will be assigned to a specific project with its schedule. All students are required to enroll for the course in Blackboard to access all course information including project descriptions. Students cannot participate in this course without registering online. Students do not have to register in uSis for Practising International Studies.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Not applicable