Introduction to Advanced Academic Studies and Social Science

Aim

After completion of the course, students should be able to:

• write an academic paper according to the standards and requirements of Swedish higher education;
• correctly evaluate and use sources;
• account for and implement basic rules of academic referencing;
• understand instances of plagiarism;
• display familiarity with main research traditions in the social sciences, and understanding as to how these relate to the study of International and European relations.

Content

The central themes of the course are:

• an introduction to research traditions in the social sciences in general, and political science and International Relations in particular, in terms of alternative epistemological approaches and methodologies;
• how to organize and write an academic paper;
• central characteristics of Swedish academic culture;
• the role and significance of critical attitude;
• teaching models, expectations and requirements;
• rules and practice of academic writing;
• review of scientific work and constructive criticism;
• library facilities;
• the meaning and consequences of plagiarism;
• the organization of LiU and ways and means of student influence;
• equal opportunities.