The sociological research seminar, subject of the last course of the degree, is based on the knowledge acquired during the previous courses, which implies a broad command of both sociological theory and social research techniques.

The subject is conceived as the previous step to the accomplishment of the Bachelor Degree Thesis, sharing with it most of its targets: - Capacity to put into practice the theoretical, methodological and technical knowledge as well as the instrumental skills acquired during the degree - Ability to clearly state objectives and hypotheses and structure a piece of research in a coherent manner - Ability to use only the sources and resources recognized by the scientific community and to quote them in a rigorous manner - Sensitivity towards the challenges and social problems of the current moment - Acquirement of practical experience in the use of research methods - Ability to clearly communicate, where appropriate, relevant findings - Ability to communicate orally the reasons for the choice of a research object, the structure of the study, its main sources and how to articulate the conclusions

The objective of this subject lies in acquiring the professional tools which are necessary to carry out a sociological investigation. The entire investigative process will be covered combining theory and practice and paying careful attention to each of its phases. The different elements that make up a social research will be analyzed both conceptually, in order to understand their operational logic, and in a practical way, in order to apply them to any social research. Based on this approach, the contents will be the following: - Theme 1: Social research - Topic 2: Formulation of a research problem - Theme 3: Research design - Topic 4: Social research techniques - Theme 5: Information sources - Topic 6: Fieldwork - Topic 7: Data analysis and conversion into results - Topic 8: Presentation of the research

The subject is practical oriented so it is based on the accomplishment of exercises both individual and collective, in correspondence with each of the phases of the research cycle. The students will be divided into groups in order to carry out a piece of research that will pay special attention to methodological issues. This piece of research will be presented by all members of groups and discussed in the classroom in the last days of the semester.