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69010-01 - Practical course: Social Research on Sustainability: Approaches, Methods, and Applications (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2023 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers |
Manfred Max Bergman (max.bergman@unibas.ch)
Basil Bornemann (basil.bornemann@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | Research approaches and methodologies in the social sciences are not only tools, mere means to an end, but they also shape what this end can and should be. This course examines how researchers approach, analyze, and disseminate research about social transformations toward sustainability. Students will learn about different approaches, methodological choices, opportunities, challenges, and current issues in sustainability. They will understand how approaches and methodologies have implications for research and action potentials for policy, communication, and community action. |
| Learning objectives | Participants… - … know approaches and methods of social science research on sustainability transformations - … learn conceptual and methodological foundations of social science analysis for sustainable societal transformations. - … develop an appreciation for diverse methods employed in social research on sustainability. - … recognize the importance of transdisciplinary and transformative approaches in addressing sustainability challenges. |
| Admission requirements | This course is designed for advanced master's students with a special interest in social science methods in sustainability research. |
| Course application | - The course is connected to an expert workshop on Approaches and Methods of Social Science Sustainability Research. Students observe the workshop and may take part in the expert discussions. - Through preparatory readings, participants familiarize themselves with conceptual basics and prepare questions for the workshop. - A pre-workshop meeting (Monday, 16 October 2023, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, via zoom) serves to prepare the workshop and address students’ questions. - During a post-workshop meeting (Monday, 6 November 2023, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, via zoom), key insights of the workshop discussions are discussed. PLEASE NOTE: Since the number of on-site participants is limited (due to space constraints), participating students will be divided into two groups. The first group will be able to attend on-site on the first day of the workshop (Nov. 3) and the second group will be able to attend on the second day (Nov. 4). The other group will be able to participate online (via Zoom). The division of the groups will be announced at the preparation meeting at the latest. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block | See individual dates | ||
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 03.11.2023 | 10.15-16.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Friday 03.11.2023 | 10.15-16.00 | Soziologie, Übungsraum 210 |
| Saturday 04.11.2023 | 10.15-16.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Saturday 04.11.2023 | 10.15-16.00 | Soziologie, Übungsraum 210 |
| Modules |
Modul: Erweiterung Gesellschaftswissenschaften B.A. (Bachelor's degree subject: Political Science) Modul: Methoden der Soziologie und der Gesellschaftswissenschaften (Bachelor's degree subject: Sociology) Modul: Methoden der Soziologie und der Gesellschaftswissenschaften: qualitativ (Master's degree subject: Sociology) Module: Resources and Sustainability (Master's degree program: Changing Societies: Migration – Conflicts – Resources) Vertiefungsmodul Global Europe: Umwelt und Nachhaltigkeit (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Write an extended essay (min. 4000 words, including references: at least 10 articles, chapters, books), addressing one of the following topics (due January 8, 2024): 1. Case reflection: Description of methodological challenges and approaches to analyzing societal sustainability change based on a self-selected topic/problem. 2. Literature Review: Reconstruction of the possibilities and limitations of a single approach or method relating to social science sustainability research based on existing literature. 3. Research Proposal: Design a research project, either qualitative, quantitative, or mixed, addressing a specific sustainability challenge. The proposal should outline a research question, method, expected outcomes, and implications. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Soziologie |