A discussion of the essential aspects of the course content and procedures. What are traits of good research? Where to look for research and how to orient oneself in scientific discussion?

What makes a good research question? What consequences does a research question have regarding the manner of its answering?

The epistemological and ontological background. The major features and applications of the qualitative approach.

Literature review before and after the advent of AI. Genres of academic literature and types of sources.

What is the role of theory in successful research? The difference between heuristic tools such as models, and ideal types. The linkages between theory, a literature review, and analysis of the field through academic networks (Web of Science, Scopus, Research Gate).

Progressing from interest in your topic to a strategy for project completion. Conceptualization and operationalization.

Different kinds of data. Good practice for data collection.

Why consider comparative design? What is the adequacy/overstretching of concepts over different cases?

How does history fit into the positivist versus interpretivist debate in the social sciences? Iain McLean, ‘What is Social Science?’, British Academy Blog, 18 November 2018; Diarmaid MacCulloch, ‘What are the Humanities?’, British Academy Blog, 15 November 2018.

How can social research be used for practical purposes, such as the policy process? An introduction shall be followed by a detailed discussion of an intervention (experiment) in the field of history education (with guest speaker Pavla Sýkorová of the Faculty of Arts, charles University; TBC)

The criteria of a solid research proposal. Suggestions for structuring the proposal.

Each student will offer a five to seven minute oral research proposal. The research proposal will briefly introduce the research area, define the research question, present the theoretical framework/literature, describe the methods to be employed and summarize the contribution the proposed research will make. PowerPoint is advised, though not so many slides as to make the presentation too long or complex. Online students will present as well. Each presentation will be followed by questions and feedback

Each student will offer a five to seven minute oral research proposal. The research proposal will briefly introduce the research area, define the research question, present the theoretical framework/literature, describe the methods to be employed and summarize the contribution the proposed research will make. PowerPoint is advised, though not so many slides as to make the presentation too long or complex. Online students will present as well. Each presentation will be followed by questions and feedback

Students will submit their final course project, the research proposal (see below for basic guide to contents and format).