(in Polish) Diploma seminar 2100-SPP-L-D5DSEM
This seminar provides structured guidance for undergraduate students preparing their bachelor's thesis in the area of social policy. The course is designed to familiarise students with the key stages of the research process, beginning with the identification and articulation of a research problem, and progressing through the development of a research concept, the design of an empirical investigation, and the drafting and revision of academic text.
Students are expected to engage actively in seminar discussions, produce and refine written work, and conduct independent empirical research. Accepted methodologies include, but are not limited to, discourse analysis of political texts and media sources, case studies, qualitative interviews, and quantitative analysis of existing data sets (e.g. ESS, BDL). Emphasis is placed on the clarity, rigour, and relevance of both the research design and its practical execution.
Assessment is based on regular attendance and active participation, as well as the timely submission of written assignments: an initial research proposal, a revised concept, and at least one completed and revised chapter of the thesis. The standard structure of the thesis is expected to include three chapters, addressing: (1) the presentation of the selected issue and the relevant state of knowledge; (2) the institutional and methodological context; and (3) the results of the student's own research, although alternative formats may be considered.
The seminar particularly welcomes students with interests in areas such as access to social benefits, street-level bureaucracy, political discourse surrounding social justice and welfare, local innovations in social policy, and the intersection of social policy with politics and environmental concerns.
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
K_W02 - The student possesses advanced knowledge of methods for collecting, analysing, and interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data, specifically as applied in the design and execution of empirical research in social policy for a bachelor’s thesis.
K_W05 - The student demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the functioning of social and political institutions within selected areas of social policy, with the ability to apply this knowledge to analyse a specific phenomenon addressed in their thesis.
K_W08 - The student understands and applies the ethical standards of scientific research in social policy, particularly with regard to the design and conduct of empirical research, the use of sources, and the treatment of research participants.
K_U01 - The student is able to independently design and implement a complex empirical research project in the field of social policy, select and justify appropriate methodological tools, and critically interpret the findings in relation to the research question.
K_U03 - The student is capable of identifying and analysing the social, economic, and cultural determinants of a selected social phenomenon, and applying relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks to interpret its broader significance.
K_U06 - The student is able to prepare a well-structured and academically sound written thesis, and to present its key elements orally, demonstrating an ability to formulate and justify arguments concerning a complex social policy issue.
K_K01 - The student can effectively communicate the objectives, methods, and results of their research in social policy, using evidence-based reasoning and appropriate academic language grounded in relevant literature.
K_K03 - The student demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate sources of information, including identifying bias, disinformation, and manipulative discourse, especially in the context of analysing public and political debate in social policy.
K_K04 - The student adheres to ethical principles in academic and professional work, particularly in relation to research integrity, respectful engagement with diverse perspectives, and opposition to discriminatory or exclusionary practices.
K_U09 - The student can use English at the C1 level to read academic literature, write components of their thesis, and present research findings where appropriate.
Assessment criteria
- Active participation in classes (no more than 2 absences, regardless of sick leave). In the event of longer absences due to
circumstances beyond your control, please contact the lecturer immediately.
- In order to pass the semester, you must submit a draft of your thesis (for class 4), a revised draft for class 6, and at least the
first complete chapter in its revised form (no later than class 12), and the revised chapter for class 15.
NOTE: Requirements for the bachelor's thesis in my seminar.
1) The thesis should focus on a selected social policy phenomenon or issue. 2) Ideally, it should consist of 3 chapters of
approx. 20 pages each (e.g. 1) Presentation of the issue from a specific perspective and the state of knowledge in the field, 2)
Institutional and legal context and methodology of own research, 3) Own research), but a different structure is also possible.
3) Empirical research consists, for example, of: a) systematic analysis of source texts of a political nature (e.g. party positions,
politicians' statements, social policy programmes, debate forums, parliamentary transcripts, media discourse, etc.), b) a case
study or comparative case study (analysis of the activities of a specific institution, event, etc. based on a systematic examination
of various sources), c) individual or group interviews. In the case of arguments, research material may be collected by two
people, provided that a different aspect of the interview is the subject of the analysis d) quantitative analysis of existing data
(ESS, BDL) e) other methods and techniques are possible under certain conditions.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: