Methodology Advanced Research Seminar on Sociology
Name: Methodology Advanced Research Seminar on Sociology
Code: SOC13626D
9 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/234 hours
Scientific Area:
Sociology
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
- Deepen theoretical and epistemological knowledge of the main approaches and paradigms of sociological research, understanding their methodological, ethical, and deontological implications in the production of scientific knowledge.
- Develop skills in the design and planning of advanced sociological research, including the formulation of problems, objectives, hypotheses, and methodological strategies consistent with theoretical frameworks.
- Master technical skills in the collection, processing, and analysis of sociological data, applying qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies with scientific rigor and critical capacity for evaluating results.
- Consolidate reflective, communication, and scientific skills, demonstrating autonomy in the preparation, presentation, and discussion of original, relevant, and ethically sound research projects and results.
- Develop skills in the design and planning of advanced sociological research, including the formulation of problems, objectives, hypotheses, and methodological strategies consistent with theoretical frameworks.
- Master technical skills in the collection, processing, and analysis of sociological data, applying qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies with scientific rigor and critical capacity for evaluating results.
- Consolidate reflective, communication, and scientific skills, demonstrating autonomy in the preparation, presentation, and discussion of original, relevant, and ethically sound research projects and results.
Contents
1-Epistemology, theory, and methodology of sociological research
Paradigms and trends in research
Epistemology, objectivity, reflexivity, and knowledge construction
Theory and empiricism: problematization and levels of analysis
Ethics and deontology
2-Unveiling the sociological object of research
From problem specification to methodological strategies
Intensive, extensive, and mixed approaches
Designing a research project
Reflexivity and research ethics
3-Processes and techniques for collecting sociological information
Observation, participation, and fieldwork dynamics
Qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments
Ethics and dilemmas of field research
Data management, organization, and validation
4-Sociological construction and analysis
Extensive analysis and sociological modeling and explanation
Intensive analysis and interpretive model of social reality
Mixed analysis and social reconstruction of reality
Critique of research methodology
Paradigms and trends in research
Epistemology, objectivity, reflexivity, and knowledge construction
Theory and empiricism: problematization and levels of analysis
Ethics and deontology
2-Unveiling the sociological object of research
From problem specification to methodological strategies
Intensive, extensive, and mixed approaches
Designing a research project
Reflexivity and research ethics
3-Processes and techniques for collecting sociological information
Observation, participation, and fieldwork dynamics
Qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments
Ethics and dilemmas of field research
Data management, organization, and validation
4-Sociological construction and analysis
Extensive analysis and sociological modeling and explanation
Intensive analysis and interpretive model of social reality
Mixed analysis and social reconstruction of reality
Critique of research methodology
Teaching Methods
The Advanced Research Methodology in Sociology Seminar course is predominantly based on seminar hours, providing an advanced, collaborative, and reflective learning space aimed at consolidating the scientific and methodological skills of doctoral students.
The seminar sessions are organized to combine theoretical exposition, critical debate, and practical application, promoting active student participation and the collective construction of knowledge. The methodology emphasizes in-depth discussion of fundamental texts and empirical studies, analysis of methodological strategies applied in recent sociological research, and the presentation and debate of individual research projects in progress.
The work developed in the seminars aims to foster scientific autonomy and the ability to problematize, encouraging doctoral students to relate different theoretical and methodological perspectives, justify their research choices, and reflect on the epistemological and ethical implications of sociological work.
This methodology, focused on interaction, critical reflection, and practical application, is consistent with the objectives of the UC, allowing students to develop, in an integrated manner, the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for the design, implementation, and communication of advanced sociological research.
AI Use Policy (Order No. 34/2026): The use of AI tools is permitted for supporting research and information organization, linguistic and stylistic assistance, analytical support and brainstorming, and creating presentations based on content produced by students. The full generation of responses or assignments, automatic solving of assessed exercises, and use of unverified analyses, data, or references generated by AI are prohibited. Any work involving AI use must include a declaration of use (tool, purpose, and, whenever possible, session link), and citations of AI-generated content must follow APA 7th edition. Personal or confidential data must not be entered into AI systems. Misuse or undeclared use is considered academic fraud (Article 119 of the Academic Regulations).
The seminar sessions are organized to combine theoretical exposition, critical debate, and practical application, promoting active student participation and the collective construction of knowledge. The methodology emphasizes in-depth discussion of fundamental texts and empirical studies, analysis of methodological strategies applied in recent sociological research, and the presentation and debate of individual research projects in progress.
The work developed in the seminars aims to foster scientific autonomy and the ability to problematize, encouraging doctoral students to relate different theoretical and methodological perspectives, justify their research choices, and reflect on the epistemological and ethical implications of sociological work.
This methodology, focused on interaction, critical reflection, and practical application, is consistent with the objectives of the UC, allowing students to develop, in an integrated manner, the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for the design, implementation, and communication of advanced sociological research.
AI Use Policy (Order No. 34/2026): The use of AI tools is permitted for supporting research and information organization, linguistic and stylistic assistance, analytical support and brainstorming, and creating presentations based on content produced by students. The full generation of responses or assignments, automatic solving of assessed exercises, and use of unverified analyses, data, or references generated by AI are prohibited. Any work involving AI use must include a declaration of use (tool, purpose, and, whenever possible, session link), and citations of AI-generated content must follow APA 7th edition. Personal or confidential data must not be entered into AI systems. Misuse or undeclared use is considered academic fraud (Article 119 of the Academic Regulations).
Assessment
The assessment process is consistent with the advanced and seminar-style nature of the course unit, valuing students' participation in scientific discussion and methodological reflection grounded in Sociology. The evaluation aims to ensure that students achieve the course unit?s objectives and consolidate the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired in an integrated manner. A prerequisite for continuous assessment is attendance at 75% of the seminar sessions. Except for students covered by the Worker-Student Statute or other special arrangements, attendance at seminar sessions is mandatory.
Continuous assessment requires students to present the following evaluation elements:
- One written essay on a topic from one of the seminars, demonstrating the relevance of the issues raised, challenges, and adopting an analytical and critical stance (60%)
- One oral presentation and discussion of the essay (30%)
- Other assessment elements (e.g., participation in sessions, preparation of in-class work, 10%)
Notes:
Doctoral students must demonstrate that, for the preparation of the essay, they have consulted and analyzed books and scientific articles obtained from b-on or other reliable databases. The essay should be no longer than 10 pages (including bibliographic references).
Other formal aspects to consider:
Each essay should use ?normal? margins (2.5 x 2.5 x 3 x 3 cm), 1.5 line spacing, font size 12, Times New Roman, and font size 10 for footnotes.
For bibliographic references, the adopted in this course unit is APA 7th edition and subsequent editions.
The final assessment must reflect mastery of the content, as well as the development of advanced research skills, scientific communication, and critical autonomy, all essential in doctoral training.
If deemed necessary to assess the extent to which the student has acquired the knowledge and skills required for the course, the teaching team may summon the student to an oral exam, pursuant to Article 110(13) of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, ensuring compliance with the conditions set forth in Article 116(4) and Article 118(1) of the same Regulations. The oral exam will account for 70% of the course?s final grade. In this case, the oral exam accounts for 70% of the final grade (FG) and coursework accounts for 30%.
Use of AI in assessment (Order No. 34/2026): For assignments, the policy defined in the course guidelines applies, with mandatory disclosure; the use of AI is not permitted in in-person written exams. Failure to disclose or improper use constitutes academic fraud (Article 119 of the RAUÉ).
Continuous assessment requires students to present the following evaluation elements:
- One written essay on a topic from one of the seminars, demonstrating the relevance of the issues raised, challenges, and adopting an analytical and critical stance (60%)
- One oral presentation and discussion of the essay (30%)
- Other assessment elements (e.g., participation in sessions, preparation of in-class work, 10%)
Notes:
Doctoral students must demonstrate that, for the preparation of the essay, they have consulted and analyzed books and scientific articles obtained from b-on or other reliable databases. The essay should be no longer than 10 pages (including bibliographic references).
Other formal aspects to consider:
Each essay should use ?normal? margins (2.5 x 2.5 x 3 x 3 cm), 1.5 line spacing, font size 12, Times New Roman, and font size 10 for footnotes.
For bibliographic references, the adopted in this course unit is APA 7th edition and subsequent editions.
The final assessment must reflect mastery of the content, as well as the development of advanced research skills, scientific communication, and critical autonomy, all essential in doctoral training.
If deemed necessary to assess the extent to which the student has acquired the knowledge and skills required for the course, the teaching team may summon the student to an oral exam, pursuant to Article 110(13) of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, ensuring compliance with the conditions set forth in Article 116(4) and Article 118(1) of the same Regulations. The oral exam will account for 70% of the course?s final grade. In this case, the oral exam accounts for 70% of the final grade (FG) and coursework accounts for 30%.
Use of AI in assessment (Order No. 34/2026): For assignments, the policy defined in the course guidelines applies, with mandatory disclosure; the use of AI is not permitted in in-person written exams. Failure to disclose or improper use constitutes academic fraud (Article 119 of the RAUÉ).
Accreditations and Certifications
