YSS-10906 Analysis of a Problem Situation

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

All courses taught in periods 1 through 5 of BBC, BEB, BIN and BCW.

Contents:

This course follows the so-called 'problem-oriented' method which means that students are required to apply the knowledge they have acquired previously on a complex societal problem. To this end, students first make a choice between six themes. Once a theme is chosen students (in a group) write a proposal to analyse the problem at hand, emphasising ethical aspects. On the basis of this proposal students carry out a (desk) study based on literature and/or interviews and present a final report (both orally and written) of their findings. An important characteristic of the groups is that these are composed of students coming from various disciplines so as to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- jointly recognise a complex societal problem through the precise phrasing of a problem statement;
- jointly demonstrate - through the drafting of a research proposal - the relation between a complex societal problem and the applicability of scientific knowledge, as well as the ethical aspects entailed;
- demonstrate, both jointly and individually, that they are proficient in obtaining scientific data according to a pre-established work plan;
- prove, both jointly and individually, that they can systematically apply disciplinary and thematic knowledge and skills to the analysis of scientific data;
Make evident, as a group, that they can provide an account of the analysis of scientific data by means of a report of 7,500 words (and presentation thereof) that aims to propose a solution to a concrete societal problem.

Activities:

- introductory lectures to the theme;
- working lectures;
- practical's of individual self-activation;
- one-day excursion;
- writing of a research proposal and a scientific report.

Examination:

Final grading is based on:
- the group assignments (10%), the research proposal (15%);
- the final report (40%);
- the philosophical and ethical aspects in the final report (20%);
- the presentation of the final report (5%);
- the individual performance in the group (10%).
In all items the individual contribution will be taken into account.

Literature:

Start-up literature is available at the beginning of the course, final literature depends on the theme and the research proposal.