Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Development of Scientific Research and Methods of Research
Course Code
SZF_007
Branch of Science
International Politics; Political science
ECTS
4.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Lelde Metla-Rozentāle
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
1. Introduce the criteria for the quality of scientific research content (how it differs from popular science research), as well as various types of scientific studies;
2. Provide the necessary knowledge on how to start scientific research - the first steps to take when considering a potential study;
3. Offer insights into planning the research process - developing the research design and choosing research methods (understanding the applicable qualitative and quantitative methods), as well as creating an understanding of the practical application of methods and the analysis, interpretation, and conclusion-making principles of the obtained research results;
4. Develop practical skills in scientific research - from choosing a research topic to correctly describing, formatting, and persuasively presenting the research results.
Preliminary Knowledge
1. Fundamental knowledge in political science and international relations - an understanding of the main theoretical assumptions, and the basic principles of politics and economics that are important in international relations and the process of European integration.
2. Critical thinking and analytical skills - the ability to critically analyze information, identify and evaluate arguments, as well as perform logical conclusion formation.
3. Academic writing skills - the ability to express one's thoughts clearly and structuredly in writing, adhering to the principles of academic integrity.
4. Basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods - at least a superficial understanding of various research methods, their application, and differences.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.• Ability to identify differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods. • Ability to describe the principles of scientific research methods and their principles of use. • Ability to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each method for conducting a specific study. • Ability to define the most essential types of methods.
Skills
1.Ability to select the most appropriate scientific literature for the description of the chosen topic. Ability to select the most appropriate research method for conducting a scientific study. Ability to conduct independent research in political science. Ability to present research results.
Competences
1.• Ability to formulate the aim, tasks, and hypothesis of a scientific work. • Ability to develop an independent research on phenomena in political science and/or international relations. • Ability to interpret the analysis of obtained data. • Ability to logically defend their opinion and research results.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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1.
Individual work |
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1. Attend lectures after familiarizing yourself with the required reading material indicated by the lecturer and preparing for the lecture topic - it is mandatory to attend 50% of the classes, and actively participate in the class process. If attendance is less than 50%, the module must be retaken the next academic year for an additional fee.
2. Collectively (in small groups) develop and successfully complete group seminar papers - stages of scientific research development, in presentation format.
3. Submit a written report of seminar tasks in e-studies. If due to failures or unjustified absences 50% of the works are graded with "0", then the student must retake the course the next academic year for an additional fee.
4. Submit in e-studies the conference abstracts developed according to the standard.
5. Successfully perform in a conference simulation, with a scientific paper based on the research conducted during the course and previously submitted theses.
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Examination |
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-
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Written reflection of the seminar task performed by the small group, including conference abstracts.
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2.
Examination |
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Presentation in a scientific conference simulation with a scientific paper based on the research conducted during the course and the theses previously submitted.
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3.
Examination |
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Performance of small groups with a visual presentation reflecting the execution of the task given by the lecturer.
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4.
Examination |
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-
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Within the course framework, listening to lectures, mastering literature, conducting group practical works and their presentation (in seminar classes), as well as submitting conference abstracts and performing in a conference simulation at the end of the course are planned. During the course, students will receive a grade for the completion of each seminar task (the grade will be the average of the visual presentation and the written responses submitted in e-studies), as well as for the written version of the conference abstracts and performance in the conference simulation. All activities will be graded on a 10-point scale, and the final grade will be the average score of all received grades. The study work grade will be calculated from the average grade formed by adding the evaluation of the written abstracts and the quality of the presentation/performance in the conference simulation.
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Introductory lecture - course content and organization. What is a scientific research/ what makes a research scientific? How does popular science research differ from scientific research?
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Various types of scientific work include: thesis for a conference, poster (how to create it easily), scientific article for a peer-reviewed journal, scientific presentation (also for a course and bachelor's thesis).
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Initiating the development of a scientific research - choosing a topic and formulating the main objectives - relevance of the topic, goals, tasks, hypothesis. Theoretical framework of the work.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Presentation of an individual research topic.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Presentation of an individual research topic.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Designing the research and planning the research process.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Qualitative research methods.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Quantitative research methods.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Selection of individual research methods.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Selection of individual research methods.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study trip
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2
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Topics
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Independent work (under the strategic supervision of instructors) on the development of data collection methods and data acquisition.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study trip
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2
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Topics
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Independent work (under the strategic supervision of instructors) on the development of data collection methods and data acquisition.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Data analysis, interpretation, and conclusion drawing.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Structure and content of conference abstracts.
Formatting of abstracts and other written works.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Preparation, submission, and evaluation of conference abstracts.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Fundamental principles of persuasive presentations and performances.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Individual consultations with students, providing support in the execution of tasks within the study course.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Scientific conference simulation - presenting at a conference, showcasing one's research.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Scientific conference simulation - presenting at a conference, showcasing one's research.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Scientific conference simulation - presenting at a conference, showcasing one's research.
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
4.00
Contact hours:
40 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Sheppard V. Research Methods for the Social Sciences: An Introduction.
2.
Kellstedt, Paul, M., Whitten Guy D. 2018. The Fundamentals of Political Science Research. 2nd ed. New York: Cambridge University Press,
3.
Zinātne, pētniecība, inovācija. 2016. No K.Mārtinsone, A.Pipere, D.Kamerāde. Pētniecība: teorija un prakse. Rīga: RaKa (latviešu plūsmai)
4.
21.gadsimta zinātnes globālās tendences: īss ieskats. 2016. No K.Mārtinsone, A.Pipere, D.Kamerāde. Pētniecība: teorija un prakse. Rīga: RaKa (latviešu plūsmai)
Additional Reading
1.
RSU Studentu Starptautiskās zinātniskās konferences tēžu izstrādes standarts. Tēžu novērtēšanas kritēriji. Postera uzbūves paraugs. Kā izveidot plakātu (posteri), izmantojot PowerPoint. Konferences tēžu paraugs. Zinātniska raksta paraugs. Kursa darba paraugs. Bakalaura darba paraugs.
2.
Bryman, A. 2016. Research Designs. In: Social Research Methods. 5th ed. New York: Oxford University Press,
3.
Baglione, Lisa, A. 2020. Writing a Research Paper in Political Science: A Practical Guide to Inquiry, Structure and Methods. 4th ed. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications CQ Press,