Comparative Social Research (10 ECTS)
Programme » Comparative Social Research (10 ECTS)What is comparative social research and what is it good for? These are the seemingly straightforward yet tricky questions the module tackles through dynamic classroom discussions, specialist guest lecturers and targeted readings. International CRS researchers will provide students with insight in how their research was conducted during the lectures.
This module explores the use of comparative social research as an approach to doing social scientific study and as a way towards understanding similarities and differences in social and human events. Its strengths and weaknesses are debated, with particular attention placed on the current research practices of guest lecturers working in fields like social work, social policy, political science and sociology. In every case, these guests share their experiences concerning the (practical) challenges of using selected research designs and methods.
The module enables students to generate their very own CSR plan based on active input and discussion surrounding the current methodological debates. Here, they gain the critical skills required to clearly articulate their CSR plan as a first step to developing a theoretically and practically viable research dissertation (See MACESS Dissertation).
Examination type: Research plan (5000 words)
Convener and guest lecturers 2011-2012:
- Maria José Freitas, Senior Researcher, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
- Nol Reverda, CESRT Lector, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
- Liza Reisel, Researcher, Institute for Social Research, Norway
- Mario Marinov, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Philosophy South-West University Neofit Rilski, Bulgaria
