Research Methodology
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Jack BlackResearch Methodology
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Jack BlackCourse description
General information
Instructor Enoh Šeba, PhD
Course title Research Methodology
Study Programme University Undergraduate Programme in Protestant theology
Type of course Mandatory
Year of study First
Number of credits ECTS credits 2
and class hours Class hours (L+E+S) 0+1+0
1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
1.1. Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are:
1. introduce students to research as the crucial paradigm of scholarly approach, the production of
written papers, and academic development in the widest possible sense;
2. introduce students to the process and methodology of preparing and writing a scholarly
paper in an academic environment;
3. enable students to develop a scientific-scholarly approach, and prepare them for writing
scholarly papers as a product of such an approach.
1.2. Prerequisite
There are no prerequisites for this course.
1.3. Learning outcomes for the Programme the course belongs to
1. Independently describe and explain the basic content of philosophical-theological and
historical-theological texts.
2. Present the results of one’s research in biblical, philosophical-theological, and practical-
theological fields.
3. Collect, select, analyse, synthesize, summarize, and critically evaluate information.
4. Critically reflect on one’s own work and the work of others.
5. Make appropriate judgments in complex contexts.
6. Act based on the ethical principles of the profession.
1.4. Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. identify particular elements of the research process and writing of an academical (scholarly)
paper;
2. describe the manner in which particular research skills contribute to the development of the
skills of academic writing;
3. demonstrate the ability to find and assess relevant sources of information during the research
process;
4. apply the skills of reading and note-taking to the preparation of an academic paper;
5. identify and differentiate various argumentation strategies;
6. relate different writing elements during the creation of a scholarly paper;
7. independently and critically evaluate the resources and arguments collected during research.
1.5. Course Content:
The course content is divided into five main units and their related topics:
Unit 1 – Research as the crucial paradigm of academic work and types of scientific papers
Unit 2 – Reading skills and the four types of reading
Unit 3 – Note-taking skills
A. Citing
B. Paraphrasing
C. Summarizing
D. System of note-taking
E. Instructions for note-taking
Unit 4 – Preparation for research and writing
A. Selecting a topic
B. Research questions; hypothesis and thesis; finding resources; scanning and using
resources; draft bibliography
C. Synopsis
D. Project workflow
Unit 5 – Writing
A. Draft version
B. Components of a paper
C. Arguments and 11 types of argumentation
D. Model: The practical argument of Stephen Toulmin
E. Sections
F. Connectors and modifiers
G. Grammar and style
☐ homework
☐ lectures
assignments
1.6. Modes of Teaching ☐
☐ multimedia and
seminaries
internet
and ☐ laboratory work
workshops ☐ mentored work
x exercises ☐ other
☐ remote _________________
learning __
☐ field
teaching
1.7. Comments
1.8. Course Requirements
1. Active participation in class.
2. Participation in exercises and regular completion of homework assignments.
3. Writing a term paper on a chosen topic while applying the knowledge and skills acquired during
class.
1.9. Course Assessment1
Active
Class
participati Term Experimental
attenda 0,5 1,5
on in paper work
nce
class
Written Oral
Essay Research
exam exam
Written Practical
Project Quizzes
report work
Portfolio
1.10. Grading structure during lectures and on the final exam
Student's completion of homework assignments will be monitored during the course of the
semester. The term paper will be graded.
1.11. Mandatory Resources
1) D. ORAIĆ TOLIĆ, Akademsko pismo, Naklada Ljevak, Zagreb, 2011.
2) Z. NIKOLIĆ JAKUS, Uvod u studij povijesti: Historiografski praktikum, Leykam International,
Zagreb, 2008.
1.12. Additional Resources
1) A. TKALAC VERČIĆ i dr. Priručnik za metodologiju istraživačkog rada: Kako osmisliti, provesti
i opisati znanstveno i stručno istraživanje, Zagreb, M.E.P., 2010.
1
IMPORTANT: Along with every mode of Course Assessment an adequate number of ECTS credits needs to be given, so that the total number of ECTS credits
matches the number for the course. Empty fields can be used for additional activities.
2) M. J. ADLER i C. VAN DOREN, How to Read a Book, Rev. ed., Sutton Valence, Touchstone
Books, 1972.
1.13. Number of copies of mandatory resources relative to the number of students currently enrolled
Number of
Title Number of students
copies
Resources are available to students in
electronic form.
1.14. Modes of quality control that ensure acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences
1. Discussions with students during classes.
2. Exam analysis.
3. Questionnaire conducted by the Centre and University.
