Universität Wien
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400019 SE Theoretical Foundations and Critical Analysis in Social Research (2025S)

Theory seminar

Continuous assessment of course work
ON-SITE

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

17.03.2025 13:00-15:30 Uhr
15.05.2025 10:00-15:00 Uhr
05.06.2025 10:00-15:00 Uhr
Räume suchen

  • Monday 30.06. 13:00 - 15:30 C0628A Besprechung SoWi, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. III/6. Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Theoretical Foundations and Critical Analysis in Social Research (Theorieseminar)- This seminar has two interrelated aims, structured into two phases. The first phase introduces the diverse roles and meanings of theory in social research, fostering critical engagement with contemporary theoretical approaches such as intersectional theory, feminist theory, affect theory, critical theory, and Foucauldian theory, among others. This phase emphasizes the evolving importance of theory in the social sciences, linking it to broader debates and empirical applications.

In the second phase, students focus on reflecting and refining their theoretical frameworks within their own PhD projects. Through discussion and practical guidance, participants will strengthen the theoretical foundation of their research, ensure its integration into their thesis, and align their research design with their theoretical approach.

Course Methods-The seminar combines interactive lectures, reading-based discussions, and peer feedback sessions. In the first phase, students will engage with foundational texts and case studies to critically explore theoretical perspectives. In the second phase, they will present and discuss their own theoretical frameworks, receive constructive feedback from peers and the instructor, and work collaboratively to refine their research designs.

By the end of the seminar, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the role of theory in social research, situate their work within relevant paradigms, and develop a robust theoretical framework to advance their doctoral projects.

Assessment and permitted materials

Regular attendance & active participation in class
Development and presentation of own research project (max 50 points)
Commenting (orally and/or in writing) on other participants' research projects (max 50 points)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Regular attendance & active participation in class
Development and presentation of own research project (max 50 points)
Commenting (orally and/or in writing) on other participants' research projects (max 50 points)

Examination topics

tba

Reading list

Alvesson, M., & Sandberg, J. (2011). Generating Research Questions Through Problematization. Academy of Management Review, 36(2), 247 bis 271. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2009.0188
Abend, G. (2008). The Meaning of Theory. Sociological theory, 26, 199. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9558.2008.00324.x
Brass, P. R. (2000). Foucault steals political science. Annual Review of Political Science, 3(1), 305 bis 330. https://doi.org/doi:10.1146/annurev.polisci.3.1.305
Durnová, A. P., & Weible, C. M. (2020). Tempest in a teapot? Toward new collaborations between mainstream policy process studies and interpretive policy studies. Policy Sciences, 53(3), 571 bis 588. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11077-020-09387-y
Fischer, F., Torgerson, D., Durnová, A. Orsini, M. (2015). Introduction to Critical Policy Studies. In Handbook of critical policy studies (pp. pp. 1 bis 24.). Edward Elgar.
Sears, A., & Cairns, J. I. (2015). A good book, in theory : making sense through inquiry (Third edition ed.). University of Toronto Press

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 10.01.2025 13:46