Advanced quantitative sociology seminar
The course addresses current issues, methods, and designs in quantitatively oriented sociological methodology.
The course is seminar-based and focuses on reading and analyzing quantitative empirical studies and current quantitative methodological literature that exemplifies new applications in the field in various ways. The aim of the course is to provide in-depth knowledge of quantitative sociological methods and research designs that in various ways develop or go beyond the issues, methods, and research designs covered by other quantitative methodology courses at the Department of Sociology. Participants can expect to gain knowledge and understanding of newer sociological methods and research designs, be able to make independent assessments of how these can be applied, critically evaluate their advantages and disadvantages, and critically discuss current problems, methods, and research designs in relation to different types of validity.
The course is provided on half-time basis over 10 weeks. The course has several instructors/seminar leaders, each of whom is an expert in the topic covered by the seminar. Each meeting begins with a brief introduction by the instructor, followed by seminar-based student presentations and discussions based on the literature related to the theme covered by the meeting. During these classes, a group of students will give a presentation on aspects in the course readings, followed by a discussion of the course readings based on questions provided by another group of students. The structure of the seminars will vary, but generally includes in-class assignments, discussions, and/or concluding remarks from the instructor.
Teaching Format
The classes rely on active student participation. Attendance is required for all classes. and absences must be compensated by assignments.
Assessment
To pass, students are required to participate actively during discussions and presentations. Examination is in the form of two assignments: an individual course paper and an oral presentation (group).
