Duration
30h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits
| Bachelor in law | 5 crédits | |||
| Bachelor in political sciences : general | 4 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The way we know and understand the world is inseparable from the way we report on it. What distinguishes scientific knowledge from other modes of knowledge? How can we think about scientific methods and their power to describe, but also to shape and structure social realities? The objective of the course is to distinguish the different ways of doing science and the conditions of production of a scientific fact.
This course aims to acquire the basic principles of research in political science, based on a mainly qualitative approach. The course prepares students to elaborate, conduct and present the results of their future research projects (in their university course but also in their professional context).
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of the course, the students will be able to carry out a rigorous and empirically based analysis of social and political phenomena. For that purpose, students are expected to :
- define and describe the terms and concepts deployed in the different parts of the course;
- reproduce the notions and the link between epistemological reasoning raised in the course;
- define and describe the research methods in political science, but also identify these in the context of field research;
- assess the relevance of the techniques in light of a given issue and situation;
- distance themselves critically and analytically from the information collected.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Co-requisite :
SPOL2331-1 Analysis of public policies (theory)- Celine Parotte
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
This course is structured into two theoretical modules (conception & implementation and valorisation of a research design) and provides general training in the scientific approach and qualitative methods essential in political science.
It is based on a book (in press - Presses Universitaires de Liège) co-authored in 2024 in collaboration with several members of the Spiral Research Centre, who were called upon for their specific expertise in a particular research method.
Each course session is divided into four parts: 1) discussion of the key elements of the theoretical chapter, based on prior reading by the student; 2) ex cathedra presentation of the theoretical essentials; 3) practical case analysed by the group; 4) assessment of the level of knowledge acquired at the end of the session.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
Face-to-face.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
Book (in press - Presses Universitaires de Liège):
Parotte et al. (2024 - sous presse), Manuel de méthodologie en sciences politiques et sociales. Pratiques réflexives et critiques pour construire sa recherche, Presses Universitaires de Liège, Liège p.270 --> available to students at the Presses, whose chapters must be read before the session (see introductory session schedule)
Other recommended reading (considered as a pre-requis):
- Van Campenoudt L. et Quivy R., 2017, Manuel de recherche en sciences sociales, Paris: Dunod
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Out-of-session test(s)
Further information:
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Out-of-session test(s)
Additional information:
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Out-of-session test(s)
Additional information:
Continuous assessment throughout the year: This course is assessed continuously throughout the four-month term. These assessment activities are not dispensatory in that they replace the written/oral examination in the first session.
There are two assessment activities. Each of them is set up throughout the year to test the student's acquisition of effective skills (knowledge and know-how), either individually or collectively.
Module 1/ Continuous assessment of 5 theory sessions: 50% of the final grade.
Five sessions focus on essential theoretical elements to be acquired as part of the 'political science methodology' course.
To prepare for this assessment, students must have read the associated theoretical chapter and the additional reading prior to the session.
To prepare for the assessment at the end of the session: a Q/A session is organised beforehand, a theoretical reminder of the essentials of the day's session followed by one or more practical exercises.
At the end of the session, the student answers a theoretical application question related to the day's session. They submit their proposed answers to a peer for discussion. The student is then required to enter his/her answer electronically on ecampus individually on the same day before 18:00.
Module 2/Practical written work: conducting, transcribing, analysing (coding) and promoting a semi-directive interview: 50% of the final mark.
Conducting a one-to-one interview with a stakeholder in civic participation in groups of 2: 50% of the final score.
Preparation for the interview using a reading file and the class session.
Full transcription of the interview
Online posting of the interview on Corpus (free software provided by the Faculty and available to students) and thematic coding according to the principles of Braun and Clarke (2006).
Valorisation of the thematic analysis of the interview
Submission of work December 2024 (exact date to be announced)
Second session:
Written examination.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
- Failure to attend a module will automatically result in a second session.
- Attendance is compulsory for the "conducting an interview", "analysing an interview", "conducting and analysing a focus group" sessions. Any absence must be justified by a medical certificate within 48 hours, to be sent to Mrs Dodion.
Contacts
Lecturer : Céline Parotte (celine.parotte@uliege.be)
Research and Teaching Assistant: Hélène Dodion (helene.dodion@uliege.be)
Teaching assistant : Anne-Lou Minne (al.minne@student.uliege.be)
Association of one or more MOOCs
There is no MOOC associated with this course.