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Introduction to Studies

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide an understanding and knowledge of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) as a higher education and research institution, of the organization of studies at the Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF), of the study program plan, study methods, opportunities, and resources available for conducting research work. Students gain insight into the significance of sociology in contemporary society and governance, as well as knowledge of the basic principles of professional ethics, academic integrity, and the prevention of plagiarism in academic and research activities. The course also offers an opportunity to understand the practical application of the skills, knowledge, and competences acquired in the Sociology of Organization and Public Administration study program.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the chosen specialization, the higher education system, and the organization of the study process, as well as its regulatory framework at LBTU. Understanding of the advantages of applying sociology of organization and public administration knowledge in the fields of organizational and public governance. Knowledge of methodological requirements for the preparation and formatting of study papers, academic integrity and plagiarism prevention, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in the study process (tests and discussions).

Skills:
Ability to use library resources, electronic databases, the Moodle environment, and other information sources. Knowledge of external and internal documents related to LBTU and the study process. Ability to analyze and classify acquired information, organize the study process and the development of various study assignments, present results of independent academic work, and plan assigned tasks responsibly. Ability to present and explain the results of one’s work to others. Capable of participating in group work and discussions (tests and argumentative essay).

Competence:
Ability to effectively plan and carry out studies. Knowledge of, and ability to argue about, the challenges faced by sociologists of organization and public administration in contemporary society (argumentative essay).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) as a higher education and research institution, its study system and study forms. The higher education system in Latvia and related legislation. The LBTU study system, student rights and responsibilities, extracurricular life. Organization of study work at the Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF). Study plan and intended learning outcomes. Study organization, individual study plans, academic recognition of study courses completed at other universities (3 hours).
2. Use of the scientific library in the study process. LBTU Fundamental Library, rules for library use. Searching for information in the BIS ALEPH electronic catalog and databases. E-journal and e-book databases and their specific use. Basics of the Moodle environment and its application at LBTU. Accessing the e-study system and rules of use. Communication and interaction within courses. Completion of course tasks, forums, tests, and other assignments (2 hours).
3. Erasmus+ mobility opportunities. Information about Erasmus+ mobility opportunities offered by LBTU, prerequisites and rules. Information on criteria for selecting a host university, procedures and requirements for submitting documents when going abroad and upon return (1 hour).
4. Types of study papers and rules for their preparation. Requirements for the preparation and formatting of study papers. Development of study projects and bachelor’s theses: topic selection, research program, theoretical and empirical parts, conclusions and development of proposals. Basic principles of preparing study paper presentations. Graphical representation of data and its inclusion in a presentation (3 hours).
5. Application of sociological knowledge. The mission of sociology as a science in modern society. Main tasks of the sociologist, requirements set, and challenges in the work environment. Meetings with alumni, case studies of sociologists’ professional careers (3 hours).
6. Ethical aspects of sociological research. The researcher’s code of ethics. Principles of academic integrity. Plagiarism and its types. LBTU documents regulating researcher ethics and academic integrity (3 hours).
7. Principles of using artificial intelligence in study and research work (1 hour).
List of practical work:
1. LBTU as a higher education and research institution. Introduction to the ESAF study environment (1 hour).
2. Excursion to the LBTU Fundamental Library and practical work on the use of library resources (2 hours).
3. Discussion on the use of sociological knowledge in public administration (1 hour).
4. Test on the requirements for the preparation and presentation of study papers (2 hours).
5. Test on academic integrity and types of plagiarism (2 hours).
6. Career opportunities of OSPS graduates: study program results from the graduates’ perspective (2 hours).
7. Argumentative essay “The Challenges of a sociologist in contemporary society” (6 hours).

Part-time distance learning:
All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Students are required to study theoretical materials of the course, participate in discussions, complete 2 tests and prepare an argumentative essay.

The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during face-to-face or online consultations, lectures, and final examinations, according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. Test 1 on the requirements for the preparation and presentation of study papers. Minimum of 60% is required to pass.
2. Test 2 on the academical integrity and plagiarism. Minimum of 60% is required to pass.
3. Argumentative essay “The Challenges of a sociologist in contemporary society”

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Final grade composed of a cumulative assessment: Test 1 (30%), Test 2 (30%), Argumentative essay (40%).

Compulsory reading

1. Augstskolu likums. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/37967-augstskolu-likums
2. LBTU Studiju nolikums/ LBTU Study regulation. Pieejams: Mans LBTU sadaļā “Studentiem/ Dokumenti
3. LBTU Iekšējās kārtības noteikumi/ LBTU Internal study regulations. Pieejams: Mans LBTU sadaļā “Studentiem/ Dokumenti
4. Martinez M.A. The Employable Sociologist. Guide for Undergraduates. Springer Nature, Pallgrave Macmillian, 2023, 203 lpp. Pieejama tiešsaistē: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-41323-0
5. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījuma rezultātu izplatīšana. K. Mārtinsone, A. Pipere zin. red. Rīga: RSU, 2018. 301 lpp.

6. 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. OSPS Bakalaura darba metodiskie norādījumi. Pieejams ESAF mājaslapā http://www.esaf.llu.lv/lv/studiju-un-reglamentejosie-dokumenti
2. OSPS studiju projekta metodiskie norādījumi. Pieejams: ESAF mājaslapā http://www.esaf.llu.lv/lv/studiju-un-reglamentejosie-dokumenti
3. Akadēmiskā godīguma nolikums. Pieejams: Mans LBTU/Studentiem/Dokumenti.
4. Vadlīnijas mākslīga intelekta izmantošanai LBTU. Pieejamas: Mans LBTU/Studentiem/Dokumenti.
5. Ballantine J.H., Roberts K.A. (2009) Our social world: introduction to sociology.-2nd ed. Thousand Oaks California: Pine Forge Press. 582 p.
6. Bazens T. Efektīvas mācīšanās rokasgrāmata. Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds. 2008.160 lpp.
7. The Sage Handbook of Social Research Methods. Ed. by Alasuutari P., Bickman L., Brannen J. SAGE Publications, 2008, p. 631.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Humanities and Social Sciences. Latvia. Pieejams: https://www.apgads.lu.lv/izdevumi/brivpieejas-izdevumi/zurnali-un-periodiskie-izdevumi/humanities-and-social-sciences-latvia/
2. Latvijas Biozinātņu un tehnoloģiju universitātes mājas lapa. Pieejams: https://www.lbtu.lv/lv
3. LBTU Ekonomikas un sabiedrības attīstības fakultātes mājas lapa. Pieejams:https://www.esaf.lbtu.lv/lv
4. LBTU e-studijas. Pieejams: https://estudijas.lbtu.lv/
5. The British Journal of Sociology. London: Wiley-Blackwell. ISSN 1468-4446
6. International Journal of Social Research Methodology . Pieejams: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsrm20

7. Starptautiskās Socioloģijas asociācijas ētikas kodekss . Pieejams: https://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”