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Sociology [Study Project]

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Soci1005, Basics of Research

Soci1014, General Sociological Theory

Soci2023, Contemporary Sociological Theories

Soci3001, Sociology of Organizations and Groups

Course abstract

The study project is a student's independent work with the aim of integrating the knowledge, skills and competences acquired during the theoretical study course in an empirical research on the problems and issues of the society or organizations. By developing a study project, the student demonstrates the ability to conceptually apply his or her theoretical knowledge in sociology, and practical research skills by selecting, systematizing, analyzing data, using appropriate sociological research methods, drawing conclusions, and formulating suggestions based on research.
The aim of the study course is to practically apply the acquired theoretical knowledge and skills in the implementation of the research, defining the research problem, selecting appropriate theoretical concepts and research methods.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge - the student is familiar with the conceptualization of different concepts of sociology, as well as orientates in the classical and contemporary theories of sociology of organizations and public administration; he / she knows the essence of empirical research, sociological research and data processing methods (independent work, consultation with the scientific supervisor).
Skills - the student is able to independently choose and raise the issues of social research, as well as to develop a corresponding sociological research design and discuss the research results. He/ she is able to obtain, compile, process, analyze and interpret data from qualitative and quantitative research as well as present the research results by formulating reasoned, logical conclusions and suggestions (independent work, consultation with the scientific supervisor, presentation, defense before the commission).

Competence - the student is able to creatively and independently develop the theoretical and methodological framework of sociological research, to conduct empirical research, as well as to critically analyze and synthesize theoretical findings and the results obtained in the research. He / she is able to integrate the acquired theoretical knowledge and conduct empirical research according to the principles of sociological research methods and professional ethics (independent work, consultations with the scientific supervisor of the work, presen

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Choosing the topic of the study project and coordinating the terms of the development stages with the scientific supervisor.
2. Development of research design for the study project.
3. Formulation of the software part of the study project, development of the structure and coordination with the scientific supervisor.
4. Study and systematization of scientific literature necessary for the study project.
5. Development of theoretical sections, conceptualization of key concepts and analysis of previous research results relevant to the topic.
6. Application of specific sociological theories, clear and substantiated presentation of the author's point of view.
7. Development of study project methodology.
8. Development and justification of the research instruments required for obtaining empirical data, its coordination with the scientific supervisor.
9. Field work, using sociological research methods appropriate to the topic of the study project and observing professional ethics.
10. Elaboration of empirical section using data processing methods correctly.
11. Logical and clear analysis, interpreting the research results, reflecting their relation to theory.
12. Preparation of study project conclusions and proposals and submission to the scientific advisor for evaluation.
13. Correction of deficiencies / errors reported by the scientific supervisor in relation to the study project and improvement of the work. Refining of the study project based on the recommendations of the scientific supervisor.
14. Formatting of the study project according to the methodological instructions and submission.
15. Preparation of presentation for the defense of the study project.

16. Defense of the study project.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Students must individually develop a study project of 35-40 pages. and prepare a 7-10 minute PowerPoint presentation to reveal the research results. The study project must comply with the requirements of LLU ESAF Methodological Regulations. The defense of the study project takes place at the institute's academic staff commission.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

For students, the development of a study project is based on independent work during the semester, in accordance with the course plan, which includes consultation with the scientific supervisor of the work in developing the study project. The study project is evaluated by the supervisor, reviewer and commission, at which the student presents the research results.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The evaluation of the studt project (formal test with a grade) consists of:
1) evaluation of the content of the thesis (evaluated by the supervisor and reviewer on a 10-point scale, according to the requirements of LLU ESAF Methodological Regulations) (50% of the total evaluation of the thesis);
2) 7-10 min presentation (evaluated by the commission) (30% of the total score);
answers to the questions asked by the commission on the results of the empirical study (evaluated by the commission) (20% of the total evaluation).

Compulsory reading

1. Ballantine J.H., Roberts K.A. Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks California: Pine Forge Press, 2009. 582 p.
2. Dillon M. Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and their Applicability to the Twenty-first Century. 2nd ed. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley Blackwell, 2014. 565 p.
3. Robson C., McCartan. Real World Research. 4th ed. London: John Wiley&Sons, 2016, p. 533.
4. Wolf C., Joye D., Smith T.W., Fu Yang-Chih. The Sage Handbook of Survey Methodology. Croydon: Sage Publications, 2016. 716 p.
5. Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. (red.). Rīga: RSU, 2021. 607. lpp.
6. Bell J., Waters S. Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers: eBook. London: Open University Press, 2018. 344 p. Retrieved from EBSCO eBook Academic Collection via LLU Fundamental library network and university network. https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fOTM3OTQ2X19BTg2?sid=9ee78256-b8da-48a1-a009-39ee8a75c712@sessionmgr4008&vid=3&format=EB&rid=1
7. Seville E. Resilient Organizations: How to Survive, Thrive and Create Opportunities through Crisis and Change. Kogan Page, 2016. 185 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzE0MDYwNjlfX0FO0?sid=625eac34-a90d-45ec-b1ce-bed3d808be01@redis&vid=8&format=EB&rid=11
8. Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. (red.) Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.
9. Adams J., Raeside, R. Khan, H. T. A. Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students. Second edition. eBook. New Delhi: Sage Publications Pvt. Ltd., 2014. 304 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=
e000xww&AN=784882&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Further reading

1. The Sage Handbook of Social Research Methods. Ed. by Alasuutari P., Bickman L., Brannen J. SAGE Publications, 2008, p. 631.
2. Creswell, J. W. Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th ed. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, Singapore: SAGE Publications, 2014. 342 p. Pieejams: elektroniski http://fe.unj.ac.id/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Research-Design_Qualitative-Quantitative-and-Mixed-Methods-Approaches.pdf
3. Payne G., Payne J. Key Concepts in Social Research. Sage Publications, 2004. 242 p.
4. Flick U. An Introduction to Qualitative Research. Six edition. London... (etc.): Sage Publications, 2018. 696 p.
5. Toepoel V. Doing Surveys Online. Croydon: Sage Publications Ltd, 2016. 258 p.
6. King B., Felin T., Whetten D.A. Studying Differences between Organizations: Comparative Approaches to Organizational Research. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. 2009. 270 p. Pieejams elektroniski LLU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzI4NzcwN19fQU41?sid=625eac34-a90d-45ec-b1ce-bed3d808be01@redis&vid=11&format=EB&rid=1
7. Adler P.S. (ed.) The Oxford Handbook of Sociology and Organization Studies. Classical Foundations. Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2009. 660p.
8. Neuman, W.L. Social Research Methods. Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2011. 631 p.
9. Kroplijs A., Raščevska M. Kvalitatīvās pētniecības metodes sociālajās zinātnēs. 2. papild. izd. Rīga: RaKa. 2010. 190 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Educational portal "Research Methodology" [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://research-methodology.net/
2. Humanities and Social Sciences. Latvia [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://www.apgads.lu.lv/izdevumi/brivpieejas-izdevumi/zurnali-un-periodiskie-izdevumi/humanities-and-social-sciences-latvia/
3. The British Journal of Sociology. London: Wiley-Blackwell. ISSN 1468-4446
4. International Journal of Social Research Methodology [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsrm20
5. Latvijas sociologu ētikas kodekss [tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://sociologija.lv/etika-2/
6. 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” for full time (for international students in English) and full time (distance learning/ e-studies) studies