Knowledge: K-2. Knowledge of the scientific research method and its application in Social Sciences. K-3. Advanced knowledge of the method of production and communication of a research paper (organization, structure, academic writing process, presentation, and publication). K-4. Knowledge of comparative analysis and historical analysis applied in major scientific contributions in Social Sciences. K-5. Knowledge of the internal logic of a scientific publication, examining the clarity of exposition, as well as the consistency between theory, analytical strategy, indicators, results, and conclusions. Skills: S-2. Ability to plan a research program to test general hypotheses. S-3. Ability to plan, produce, and communicate scientific output to both specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear manner. S-4. Ability to select and apply the method of comparison or historical analysis for the study of a political, economic, or social phenomenon. S-5. Skill in organizing and expressing ideas clearly and unambiguously, and in supporting theoretical arguments on a topic through a critical analysis of the literature. Competencies: C-2. Ability to develop a complete research design independently based on a research question in some field of social sciences. C-3. Ability to produce a research work that contains an original theoretical and empirical contribution and to defend it in a public event before a tribunal. C-4. Ability to select cases and apply the comparative method and/or historical analysis when providing an empirical response to a research question within the framework of applied or academic research. C-5. Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of scientific publications in an area of study and to justify the advancement in the knowledge frontier that is intended to be achieved in the research project.

The Master's Thesis will consist of the elaboration of a scientific article in English based on original research in the thematic fields of the Master that meets the professional criteria for publication in a prestigious international journal. The student will learn to: 1. Formulate an original and relevant research question. 2. Analyze such question theoretically, according to the existing scientific literature. 3. Formulate hypotheses to answer the research question. 4. Elaborate a research design that allows testing the hypotheses according to rigorous methodological criteria. 5. Operationalize concepts and select and / or generate data. 6. Analyze data to test hypotheses. 7. Organize the structure of the work. 8. Write the research paper. 9. To elaborate a bibliography according to academic standards. 10. Defend the research paper in public and respond to criticisms.

Training Activities: AF5 - Tutoring: the possibility of establishing weekly meetings with the professor teaching the subject. AF6 - Individual student work. Teaching Methodologies: MD5 - Preparation of individual or group papers and reports.