YSS-10906 Analysis of a Problem Situation

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

all courses taught in periods 1 through 4 of BBC, BEB, BIN, BGM and BTC

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 several themes. Once a theme is chosen students (in a group) write a proposal to analyse the problem at hand and come forward with recommendations, emphasising to ethical aspects. On the basis of this proposal students carry out a desk study 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 to a given societal problem.

Aims:

Students learn to
- systematically apply disciplinary and thematic knowledge and skills to the analysis of concrete themes;
- apply different disciplinary perspectives;
- have an insight in the natural and technical dimensions of complex societal problems;
- recognise and formulate societal and scientific problems;
- have an insight into the relation between the applicability of scientific knowledge and societal and political interests;
- write a scientific report;
- work in a multi-disciplinary team.

Activities:

Introductory lectures to the theme, working lectures, a large degree of individual self-activation, writing of a research proposal and a scientific report.

Examination:

A set of different criteria will be utilised for marking. These include: individual assignments, writing of a research proposal, final report, and individual performance in the group.

Literature:

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