GRADUATE SCHOOL

Sustainable Energy (With Thesis)

GS 591 | Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Name
Research Design and Methods in Social Sciences
Code
Semester
Theory
(hour/week)
Application/Lab
(hour/week)
Local Credits
ECTS
GS 591
Fall
3
0
3
7.5

Prerequisites
None
Course Language
English
Course Type
Required
Course Level
Second Cycle
Mode of Delivery -
Teaching Methods and Techniques of the Course -
Course Coordinator
Course Lecturer(s)
Assistant(s) -
Course Objectives The course is intended to provide a solid foundation for research design and methods in social sciences for students to use in their graduate studies. This course aims to prepare graduate students to comprehend the tools, subjects and methods related with the logic of the scientific inquiry, research design, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. The course also aims to reinforce awareness of the research process and ability to conduct research in an ethical and comprehensive way via suitable research strategies.
Learning Outcomes The students who succeeded in this course;
  • Identify appropriate research methods
  • Use both qualitative and quantitative research techniques
  • Define a research problem
  • Formulate research questions and/or hypothesis for a given topic
  • Write a research proposal
  • Conduct an independent research project
  • Evaluate and report the results deriving from a research project
  • Comprehend the ethical responsibilities of a social sciences researcher
Course Description The aim of the course is to deliver a complete understanding of the various research methods used in social sciences, and to establish necessary practical skills required for their application. In this course, students will develop a formal research proposal for a master thesis or term project on a topic related to their individual graduate programs, with the supervision of their advisors, to be presented to the academic staff of the related graduate program.

 



Course Category

Core Courses
Major Area Courses
Supportive Courses
Media and Management Skills Courses
Transferable Skill Courses

 

WEEKLY SUBJECTS AND RELATED PREPARATION STUDIES

Week Subjects Related Preparation
1 Introduction: Research in Social Science Chapter 2 &3 in Benton & Craib (2011)
2 Positivism, Interpretivism and Critical Realism Chapter 1 &2 in Danermark et al. (2002)
3 Stages of Research in Social Sciences -
4 Stages of Research in Social Sciences -
5 Stages of Research in Social Sciences
6 Causality, Theory and Hypothesis Chapter 3 in King et al. (1995)
7 Linking Theory and Observation Chapter 5 in Rich et al. (2018)
8 Selecting and Presenting Data Chapter 4 in King et al. (1995) & Chapter 14 in Rich et. Al (2018)
9 Scientific Output
10 Scientific Output -
11 Student Presentations
12 Student Presentations
13 Term Project Writing
14 Term Project Writing
15 Term Project Writing
16 Review of the Semester  

 

Course Notes/Textbooks

Benton & Craib (2010), Philosophy of Social Science: The Philosophical Foundations of Social Thought, 2nd Edition, Palgrave Macmillan (ISBN-10: 023024260X)

Danermark et al. (2001) Explaining Society: Critical Realism in the Social Sciences, Routledge (ISBN-10: 041522182X)

King et al. (1994), Designing Social Inquiry; Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research, Princeton University Press (ISBN-10: 9780691034713)

Rich et al. (2018), “Empirical Political Analysis; Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, Routledge (ISBN-10: 1138088773)
Suggested Readings/Materials

 

EVALUATION SYSTEM

Semester Activities Number Weigthing
Participation
1
5
Laboratory / Application
Field Work
Quizzes / Studio Critiques
Portfolio
Homework / Assignments
1
35
Presentation / Jury
1
30
Project
1
30
Seminar / Workshop
Oral Exams
Midterm
Final Exam
Total

Weighting of Semester Activities on the Final Grade
1
40
Weighting of End-of-Semester Activities on the Final Grade
1
60
Total

ECTS / WORKLOAD TABLE

Semester Activities Number Duration (Hours) Workload
Theoretical Course Hours
(Including exam week: 16 x total hours)
16
3
48
Laboratory / Application Hours
(Including exam week: '.16.' x total hours)
16
0
Study Hours Out of Class
16
3
48
Field Work
0
Quizzes / Studio Critiques
0
Portfolio
0
Homework / Assignments
1
45
45
Presentation / Jury
1
84
84
Project
0
Seminar / Workshop
0
Oral Exam
0
Midterms
0
Final Exam
0
    Total
225

 

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES AND PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS RELATIONSHIP

#
Program Competencies/Outcomes
* Contribution Level
1
2
3
4
5
1

To be able to comprehend the critical role and influences of energy resources, energy supply and energy demand for policy-makers, collectives and society.

2

To be able to evaluate the problems and circumstances about energy studies by using theoretical and practical knowledge in fundamental disciplines of energy studies such as geopolitics, market dynamics, technologies, risk management, environmental issues, legal issues, transportation, and strategies.

3

To be able to analyse multi-dimensional problems through working with others and to demonstrate leadership in addressing complex issues in the field of energy studies.

4

To be able to develop an understanding of the key energy policy issues relating to structures, markets, institutions, regulations, climate change and environment in a critical perspective.

5

To be able to acquire an informed opinion on contemporary methods, strategies and policies implemented in the international energy arena, and the ability to engage with policy-makers, business representatives, and regulators among others.

6

Be able to analyse, formulate, and handle energy related questions from a social science and humanities perspective, with an overview the theories, scenarios and concepts by using scientific research methods.

X
7

To critically evaluate data and systematically examine issues relating to the international energy arena, utilizing knowledge on recent developments in the scope of energy studies.

X
8

To be able to have ethical, social and scientific values in the stages throughout the processes of gathering, interpreting, disseminating and implementing data relevant to Energy.

9

To be able to prepare an original thesis/term project, utilizing appropriate methodologies of broad social sciences and humanities related disciplines applied to the questions and/or issues.

X
10

To be able to follow new research and developments, publish scientific articles and participate the debates in academic meetings in the field of Energy through a foreign language.

X

*1 Lowest, 2 Low, 3 Average, 4 High, 5 Highest

 


NEWS |ALL NEWS

Izmir University of Economics
is an establishment of
izto logo
Izmir Chamber of Commerce Health and Education Foundation.
ieu logo

Sakarya Street No:156
35330 Balçova - İzmir / Turkey

kampus izmir

Follow Us

İEU © All rights reserved.