Thesis Preparation Seminar
Niveau
                                    first cycle, Master
                                
                            Learning outcomes of the courses/module
                                    Students are able to:
- describe the key features of a research proposal.
- independently plan and develop empirical research projects at Master level.
- evaluate existing scientific literature based on criteria from research practice.
- reflect ethical and practical aspects in their research question.
- choose their most suitable method(s) for their research design and to justify their methodological decisions.
- recognize and analyze theoretical and methodological problems of their master thesis and to find suitable solutions.
                                
                            - describe the key features of a research proposal.
- independently plan and develop empirical research projects at Master level.
- evaluate existing scientific literature based on criteria from research practice.
- reflect ethical and practical aspects in their research question.
- choose their most suitable method(s) for their research design and to justify their methodological decisions.
- recognize and analyze theoretical and methodological problems of their master thesis and to find suitable solutions.
Prerequisites for the course
                                    not applicable
                                
                            Course content
                                    - Structure, content and function of research proposals
- Phrasing and contextualizing research questions
- Interdisciplinarity as opportunity and challenge
- Establishing the current state of knowledge and systematically evaluating the literature
- Closing and contextualizing the research gap
- Managing information and knowledge
- Choosing and justifying appropriate research methods
- Quality criteria of empirical research in social sciences
- Research ethics and data protection
- Academic writing
                                
                            - Phrasing and contextualizing research questions
- Interdisciplinarity as opportunity and challenge
- Establishing the current state of knowledge and systematically evaluating the literature
- Closing and contextualizing the research gap
- Managing information and knowledge
- Choosing and justifying appropriate research methods
- Quality criteria of empirical research in social sciences
- Research ethics and data protection
- Academic writing
Recommended specialist literature
                                    Brunner, H., Knitel, D., Resinger, P. J., Mader, R. (2015) Leitfaden zur Bachelor- und Masterarbeit: Einführung in wissenschaftliches Arbeiten und berufsfeldbezogenes Forschen an Hochschulen und Universitäten. 3. Auflage. Tectum Wissenschaftsverlag.
Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods (4. ed.). Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press.
Creswell, J. W. and Creswell, J.D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications Ltd. Heesen, B. (2020). Academic writing in APA Style: Writing Academic Papers and Theses in APA style 7th edition. Canada, Prescient.
Turabian, K. L. (2013). A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations: Chicago style for students and researchers. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
                                
                            Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods (4. ed.). Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press.
Creswell, J. W. and Creswell, J.D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications Ltd. Heesen, B. (2020). Academic writing in APA Style: Writing Academic Papers and Theses in APA style 7th edition. Canada, Prescient.
Turabian, K. L. (2013). A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations: Chicago style for students and researchers. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Assessment methods and criteria
                                    academic paper
                                
                            Language
                                    German
                                
                            Number of ECTS credits awarded
                                    4
                                
                            Semester hours per week
Planned teaching and learning method
                                    integrated course
                                
                            Semester/trimester in which the course/module is offered
                                    3