The topic reveals the general logic and tasks of sociological research, the main stereotypes of "non-sociologists" about the procedure of sociological research. Lecture: The main stages and features of sociological research Seminars and practical sessions: Generalized scheme of sociological research

The topic is devoted to the possibilities and limitations of the main methods used in sociological research. Lecture: Choosing a Method of Sociological Research Seminars and practical sessions: Qualitative and quantitative methods of sociological research; Overview of Basic Methods

The topic discusses the basic principles of ethics, the rights of research participants, the concepts of anonymity and confidentiality. An overview of the main provisions of ethical codes. Lecture: Ethics of Sociological Research Seminars and practical sessions: General ethical principles and ethics of sociological research; Round table devoted to the discussion of the problematic aspects of the ethics of social research

The topic highlights the main features of the quantitative approach in sociology. Lecture: Quantitative methods in sociology. Seminars and practical sessions: Features of quantitative methodology.

The topic highlights the main features of a qualitative approach in sociology. Seminars and practical sessions: Features of qualitative methodology; The main methods of qualitative research

The topic discusses the main features of working with big data, the possibilities of working with Internet data sources, typical research questions solved using data from the Internet. Seminars and practical sessions: The main sources of Internet data; Research issues solved with data from the Internet.

In case of the lack of class participation during the class, additional essays may be assigned in order to test the understanding of the topic. The grade for the essay will be included into home tasks grade.

As your exam, you'll receive a set of 3-5 questions. You need to answer two of them in a written form. Each question will raise a methodological problem. We expect you to express your own ideas and attitudes, that should be supported by examples and concepts from the course. Each submission will be checked for plagiarism. If any traces of plagiarism will be found, the submission will be graded with 0. If you are using ideas from other sources, you need to put a proper reference. Since there are two questions, you can get 5 points for each.

You need to submit a written summary of each reading assignment. The summary should include all the definitions and classifications presented in the reading. The summary should not contain plagiarism

0.3 * Activities in class + 0.3 * Exam 1 year + 0.1 * Home tasks + 0.2 * Tests + 0.1 * Written summaries of the assigned readings