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 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 seven 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:

After successful completion of this 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;
- practicals of individual self-activation;
- one-day excursion;
- writing of a research proposal and a scientific report.

Examination:

Final grading is based on a group grade adjusted by a factor for individual performance. The group grade should be 5.5 at the minimum and is based on:
- the group assignments (15%);
- the research proposal (15%);
- the final report (45%);
- the philosophical and ethical aspects in the final report (20%);
- the presentation of the final report (5%).
The individual factor is based on mutual grading by the group members (50%) and grading by the supervisor (50%). The final grade for each individual student is the group grade, multiplied by the relative deviation of the individual grade of the student from the mean individual grade of the group members.

Literature:

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