Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.P.3.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Methodological Seminar and Advocacy of the Master Thesis Development Application

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_204
Branch of Science
Other social sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Civil and Military Defense; Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Management Science; Person and Property Defence; Political Science; Social Anthropology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time; Part-time (Off site)

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

The aim of the course is to provide students with methodological and academic support during the early stages of Master’s thesis development, developing skills to formulate the research topic, develop its concept and defend it. The course covers the use of scientific language, principles of academic integrity and issues of research ethics, and provides practical guidelines for working with scientific sources and library resources.

Preliminary Knowledge

Understanding of scientific research, methodology and different research approaches.

Basic knowledge of sourcing analysis and quoting to ensure academic integrity.

In-depth knowledge in the field of his study programme acquired during the Master’s study programme.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.An in-depth understanding of the Master’s thesis development process, its stages and methodological principles.

Individual work and tests

Develop an MD topic case • Defending an MD Subject case

2.Knowledge of research ethics principles, academic integrity and the correct use of references.

3.Knowledge of scientific language principles and academic writing.

Individual work and tests

Defending an MD Subject case

4.Understanding of the efficient use of the library and scientific resources.

Individual work and tests

Test for using library resources

Skills

1.Ability to formulate and justify the topics of the Master thesis and the research problem.

Individual work and tests

Develop an MD topic case • Defending an MD Subject case

2.Skills to develop a clear and academically sound subject application.

3.Ability to critically analyse scientific literature and select appropriate sources.

Individual work and tests

Defending an MD Subject case

4.Effective communication and reasoning in the defence process of the Master thesis application.

Individual work and tests

Defending an MD Subject case

5.Skills in using library and database resources to locate and process scientific information.

Individual work and tests

Test for using library resources

Competences

1.Ability to plan and organise research paper independently.

Individual work and tests

Develop an MD topic case

2.Skills to discuss and justify the chosen research direction in a reasoned manner.

3.Ability to respect academic integrity and ethical principles in scientific activity.

Individual work and tests

Defending an MD Subject case

4.Ability to apply the principles of scientific language by creating academic texts.

Individual work and tests

Defending an MD Subject case

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Develop an MD topic case
0.00% from total grade
Test

The independent work shall be organised sequentially, progressing:

  1. from identifying the topic and formulating the research problem,
  2. to the purpose and tasks,
  3. hypothesis/research questions,
  4. theoretical framework,
  5. potential research methodology,
  6. to designing, submitting and defending the topic application.

During the course of the work, the student shall perform selection and analysis of the literature, prepare a short reasoned justification for the topic, develop the structure of the application, draw up the application in writing in accordance with the requirements and prepare a defence presentation. Consultation with the lecturer is included as an integral part of the process so that the intention is clarified and developed consistently.

Detailed information on developing the proposal (requirements, deadlines, assessment principles) is available to students in the E-studies environment—in the Student Handbook and the methodological guidelines.

Preferred distribution of the amount of independent work (53 academic hours):

Work stage / activityContent and outcomeWorkload (acad. hrs)
1. Review of requirements and assessment criteriaStudy programme/department requirements for the topic proposal, assessment criteria, deadlines2
2. Defining the topic and justificationTopic selection, relevance, justification of novelty/utility, preliminary background review (at summary level)5
3. Initial literature search and selectionKeywords, databases, selection of sources (academic articles, books, documents), draft bibliography10
4. Research problem, aim, and objectivesDefinition of the problem, research object/subject, aim, 3–6 objectives (aligned with the aim)6
5. Hypothesis / research questionsFormulation of the hypothesis (or development of research questions), initial clarification of variables/indicators4
6. Developing the theoretical frameworkSelection of theories/concepts, definitions of key terms, analytical model or logical scheme8
7. Developing the methodologyResearch design, choice of methods (qualitative/quantitative/mixed), data sources, sample, data analysis approach, limitations/ethics8
8. Writing the topic proposalDrafting the text according to the structure, aligning the argumentation, references6
9. Formatting and submissionLanguage and style editing, formatting, organising references, submission procedure2
10. Preparation for the defencePresentation (7–10 slides or as required), speaking outline, rehearsal, answers to potential questions2
Total53

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Test for using library resources
0.00% from total grade
Test

A multi-choice test to verify the acquisition of knowledge, skills and skills provided in the video lecture. If the test has been performed unsatisfactorily (scored ’’ not counted ’), it should be repeated until the answers given are correct in at least 55% of the cases.
2.

Defending an MD Subject case
100.00% from total grade
10 points

Defence of the application for a Master’s thesis topic is a mandatory stage of the study process, which ensures an evaluation of the subject, research intention and planned methodology prior to the development of the full Master’s thesis. Successfully defending the subject application is a prerequisite for further development of the Master’s thesis.

The total duration of the defence shall be 15 minutes, comprising:

  • presentation by the student of the intention set out in the application;
  • recommendations and recommendations of the Commission to clarify the intention (including the wording, purpose, objectives, hypothesis/research questions, theoretical framework and methodology relevance).

The presentation shall be prepared and implemented on the basis of the application for a Master’s thesis subject submitted previously, preserving the structure and main arguments defined therein. Students are provided with a presentation form preparation to use for unified design and content structuring.

Detailed information on the progress of the defence (requirements, deadlines, technical procedures and evaluation principles) is available to students in E-studies.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introductory lecture/seminar on basic requirements for the development of Master’s thesis. Work on choosing a topic and formulating basic settings.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introductory lecture/seminar on basic requirements for the development of Master’s thesis. Work on choosing a topic and formulating basic settings.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Topic case development

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Lecture: Scientific language.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Lecture: Scientific language.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Lecture: academic honesty – use of references.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Video lecture: using library resources.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Video lecture: an overview of the ethics of research.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Seminar: analysis, improvement of the final version of the topic case. Submit a topic application to the system.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Examination - defending the subject application with the Commission.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Examination - defending the subject application with the Commission.

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Examination - defending the subject application with the Commission.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introductory lecture/seminar on basic requirements for the development of Master’s thesis. Work on choosing a topic and formulating basic settings.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introductory lecture/seminar on basic requirements for the development of Master’s thesis. Work on choosing a topic and formulating basic settings.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Topic case development

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Lecture: academic honesty – use of references.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Video lecture: using library resources.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Video lecture: using library resources.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Video lecture: an overview of the ethics of research.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Video lecture: an overview of the ethics of research.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Video lecture: an overview of the ethics of research.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Seminar: analysis, improvement of the final version of the topic case. Submit a topic application to the system.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Examination - defending the subject application with the Commission.

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Examination - defending the subject application with the Commission.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME (OFF SITE)
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introductory lecture/seminar on basic requirements for the development of Master’s thesis. Work on choosing a topic and formulating basic settings.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Topic case development

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Lecture: Scientific language.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Lecture: Scientific language.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Lecture: academic honesty – use of references.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Computer room
2

Topics

Video lecture: using library resources.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Video lecture: an overview of the ethics of research.

  1. Video Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Video lecture: an overview of the ethics of research.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Seminar: analysis, improvement of the final version of the topic case. Submit a topic application to the system.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Examination - defending the subject application with the Commission.

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Examination - defending the subject application with the Commission.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
20 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

RSU Studiju reglaments I

2.

SZF Maģistra studenta rokasgrāmata

3.

Atsauču un darbā izmantoto avotu un literatūras saraksta noformēšanas metodiskie norādījumi

4.

Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana

5.

Zinātnes valoda

6.

FSC MASTER’S PROGRAMMES STUDENT MANUALSuitable for English stream

7.

RSU Academic Regulation ISuitable for English stream

8.

NOLIKUMS PAR KVALIFIKĀCIJAS DARBA, STUDĒJOŠĀ PĒTNIECISKĀ DARBA, BAKALAURA DARBA UN MAĢISTRA DARBA IZSTRĀDĀŠANU UN AIZSTĀVĒŠANU