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Introduction to Studies

Course developer

Course abstract

In the study course students gain knowledge about Latvia University of Life Science and Technologies (LLU) as a higher education and science institution, Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF) history, structure and administration, gain an idea of the study programe plan, study methods, opportunities and resources in the development of research papers. Students obtain information about the profession of sociologist and public administration specialist, its future challenges, basic principles of professional ethics, the possibilities of applying the skills, knowledge and competences acquired in the study programe of sociology of organizations and public administration in practice.
The aim of the study course - is to provide knowledge and develop students' understanding of the concepts and theoretical guidelines of sociological theory, linking them with the current problems of modern society.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: Knowledge of the specialty to be acquired, the higher education system and the organization of the study process and its normative regulation at LLU. Understanding of the advantages of using knowledge of sociology of organizations and public administration in the area of organizational and public management. Knowledge of methodological requirements for the performance and design of study papers (test, independent work, group work).
Skills: Can use library resources, electronic databases, Moodle environment and other information sources. Knows external and internal documents related to LLU and studies. Ability to analyse and classify the obtained information, organize the study process and development of various study papers, present the results of individual work. Can plan tasks responsibly. Ability to present and explain the results of his / her work to others. Ability participate in group work and discussions (individual task, presentation, discussions, excursions, group work, guest lectures);
Competence: Ability to effectively plan and carry out the studies. Knows and is able to argue the challenges of the profession of sociologist and public administration specialist in modern society (essay, individual task, discussion).

Course Content(Calendar)

1.Latvia University of Agriculture as an institution of higher education and science, its study system and study forms.- 1 hour
2.Use of scientific libraries in the study process. LLU Fundamental Library, library use regulations. - 1 hour
3.Basics of Moodle environment and its use at LLU. Connection to the e-learning system and its terms of use. - 1 hour
4.Erasmus + mobility opportunities. -1 hour
5.Organization of study work at LLU ESAF. Study plan and study results to be achieved. - 1 hour
6. Effective organization of the study process. - 1 hour
7.Types of study papers and their development rules. - 1 hour
8.Basic principles of study paper presentations. -1 hour
9.Use of sociological knowledge. - 1 hour
10.Professional standards of sociologist and head of public administration. -1 hour
11. Public opinion research and sociological organizations in Latvia. - 1 hour
12. Public research. - 1 hour
13. Ethical aspects of sociological research. - 1 hour
14.Guest lecture on experience in sociological organization. - 1 hour
15.Practical application of study results in the evaluation of the graduates of the program. - 1 hour
16. Future challenges of sociology. - 1 hour

List of practical work (32 hours / 20 hours part-time distance learning)
1. LLU as a higher education and science institution. Introduction to ESAF faculty and premises used in the study process. - 1 hour
2. A fieldtrip to the LLU fundamental library and practical work in the use of library resources. - 2 hours
3. Visit to the study and research farm "Vecauce" visit - for full-time full-time students. - 16 hours/4 hours)
4. Guest lecture on Moodle environment and study process in e-learning environment - 1 hour
5. Description of the study direction and program. Study plan and study results to be achieved. Effective organization of the study process. Erasmus + mobility opportunities. - 2 hours
6. Use of sociological knowledge in public administration. Origin, significance and development of sociology in Latvia. Use of sociological knowledge. - 2 hours
7. Description of the specialty of sociologist and head of public administration. The place of sociologist and head of public administration in the classification of professions. The content, knowledge and skills of the work of sociologists and public administration managers specified in the professional Standard. - 2 hours
8. Development and presentation of study papers. Basic principles of study paper presentations. Ethical aspects of sociological research.- 1 hour
9. Test on topics no 10-13. - 1 hour
10. Career opportunities for OSPS graduates: results of the study program from the point of view of graduates. - 2 hours
11. Essay "Sociologist's challenges in modern society". - 2 hours

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test, (the assessment of student performance is accumulated).

Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The assigned independent and group work, research tasks or other tasks have been performed in accordance with the issues covered in the lessons and the work has been credited.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Credit rating consists of:
1) Individual work, self-examination test (15%);
2) Group work, discussions in classes. Forums. (15%);
3) Test on topic no. 10-13. Self-tests. (20%);
4) Essay (30%);
5) Excursion „Vecauce”, test (20%)
Cumulative assessment of learning outcomes 100%

Compulsory reading

1. Augstskolu likums [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/37967-augstskolu-likums
2. LLU Studiju nolikums [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://www.llu.lv/sites/default/files/2020-06/16_Studiju_nolikums.pdf
3. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Regulationof Studies [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://www.llu.lv/sites/default/files/2021-05/Study_regulation_2021_EN.pdf
4. Internal Regulations for Students of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams:https://www.llu.lv/sites/default/files/2020-02/19_Studentu_internel_regulation_2019_EN.pdf
5. Tisenkopfs T. (red.) Socioloģija Latvijā. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds. 2010. 536 lpp.
6. Paula L., Korpa V. Socioloģija. Mācību līdzeklis. Jelgava: LLU SZF Socioloģijas katedra. 2010.143 lpp.
7. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. K. Mārtinsone, A. Pipere zin. red. Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
8. Lebrun J.L. Scientific Writing: A Reader and Writer’s Guide. World Scientific, 2007. 210 p. Pieejams: http://sina.sharif.edu/~hatef/files/Scientific%20Writing-%20A%20Reader%20and%20Writer%E2%80%99s%20Guide%20-%209812701443.pdf

Further reading

1. Bakalaura darba metodiskie norādījumi "Organizāciju un sabiedrības pārvaldes socioloģijas” studentiem".Pieejams: http://www.esaf.llu.lv/lv/studiju-un-reglamentejosie-dokumenti
2. Ballantine J.H., Roberts K.A. (2009) Our social world: introduction to sociology.-2nd ed. Thousand Oaks California: Pine Forge Press. 582 p.
3. Bazens T. Efektīvas mācīšanās rokasgrāmata. Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds. 2008.160 lpp.
4. The Sage Handbook of Social Research Methods. Ed. by Alasuutari P., Bickman L., Brannen J. SAGE Publications, 2008, p. 631.
5. The Blackwell encyclopedia of sociology /edited by George Ritzer. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, c2007. 11 Vol. (cxxiv, 5650 p.): il. ISBN 9781405124331
6. Kroplijs A., Raščevska M. Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs. 2. papild. izd. Rīga: RaKa. 2010. 190 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Humanities and Social Sciences. Latvia [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://www.apgads.lu.lv/izdevumi/brivpieejas-izdevumi/zurnali-un-periodiskie-izdevumi/humanities-and-social-sciences-latvia/
2. Latvijas Lauksaimniecības universitātes mājas lapa [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: // http://www.llu.lv/
3. LLU Ekonomikas un sabiedrības attīstības fakultātes mājas lapa [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams:// http://www.esaf.llu.lv/
4. LLU e-studijas [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://estudijas.llu.lv/
5. The British Journal of Sociology. London: Wiley-Blackwell. ISSN 1468-4446
6. International Journal of Social Research Methodology [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsrm20
7. Latvijas sociologu ētikas kodekss [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://sociologija.lv/etika-2/
8. Code of Ethics (International Sociological Association) [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.isa-sociology.org/en/about-isa/code-of-ethics/

Notes

Compulsory course for academic bachelor’s study programme „Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”