SOCIOLOGY (ENGLISH, PHD)
PhD	TR-NQF-HE: Level 8	QF-EHEA: Third Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 8

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code	Course Name	Semester	Theoretical	Practical	Credit	ECTS
SOC6008	Current Developments in Sociological Research Methods	Spring Fall	3	0	3	12

This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction:	English
Type of course:	Departmental Elective
Course Level:
Mode of Delivery:	Face to face
Course Coordinator :	Assist. Prof. İLHAN ZEYNEP KARAKILIÇ
Course Objectives:	This course examines the latest advancements in sociological research methodologies, with a focus on how emerging approaches transform our understanding of society. Designed for doctoral students, the course begins with an exploration of foundational research paradigms, equipping students with the philosophical and theoretical grounding necessary for engaging with contemporary methods. The curriculum transitions into newly developed quantitative and qualitative techniques, emphasizing their application to complex sociological questions. Key topics include big data analytics, AI, machine learning, digital ethnography, and participatory methods, as well as innovations in unobtrusive methods and discourse analysis. The course also highlights the growing importance of data visualization as a tool for analysis and communication. Throughout, students will critically engage with the methods discussed, considering their ethical implications and practical limitations.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Critically analyze foundational and emerging sociological research methodologies.
2. Apply advanced quantitative techniques, such as big data analysis, and machine learning, to sociological inquiries.
3. Employ innovative qualitative methods, including digital ethnography, participatory research, and narrative analysis, in their research designs.
4. Create and interpret data visualizations to effectively communicate sociological findings.
5. Evaluate the ethical implications and practical challenges of using new research methods.
6. Present and critique methodological approaches and research proposals in a scholarly manner.
7. Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct research utilizing contemporary methodological innovations.

Course Content

This course delves into advanced sociological research methodologies, emphasizing emerging approaches that reshape how we study society. Beginning with foundational paradigms, it provides doctoral students with a strong theoretical and philosophical basis for engaging with contemporary methods. Students will explore innovative quantitative and qualitative techniques, applying them to complex sociological inquiries.
In this class, collobrative learning, lecture, reading, discussion and individual learning methods are used.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Meeting with the class and reviewing the syllabus
2)	The Philosophical Underpinnings of Research
3)	The Philosophical Underpinnings of Research and their Implications
4)	Big Data and AI in Sociology
5)	Social Network Analysis
7)	Data Visualization: Principles of Effective Data Visualization
8)	Digital Ethnography
9)	Visual Sociology and New Media
10)	Narrative and Discourse Analysis
11)	Unobtrusive Techniques
12)	Participatory and Collaborative Methods
13)	Walking as a Sociological Method
14)	Reviewing the Term

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:
References:

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Midterms	1	% 40
Final	1	% 60
Total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 40
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 60
Total		% 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities	Number of Activities	Duration (Hours)	Workload
Course Hours	14	3	42
Study Hours Out of Class	14	3	42
Midterms	1	81	81
Final	1	135	135
Total Workload			300

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Low	3 Average	4 High	5 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	To learn and compare major sociology perspectives, both classical and contemporary, and apply all of them to analysis of social conditions.
2)	To be able to identify the basic methodological approaches in building sociological and anthropological knowledge at local and global levels
3)	To be able to use theoretical and applied knowledge acquired in the fields of statistics in social sciences.
4)	To have a basic knowledge of other disciplines (including psychology, history, political science, communication studies and literature) that can contribute to sociology and to be able to make use of this knowledge in analyzing sociological processes
5)	To have a knowledge and practice of scientific and ethical principles in collecting, interpreting and publishing sociological data also develop ability how to share this data with experts and lay people, using effective communication skills.
6)	To develop competence in analyzing and publishing sociological knowledge by using computer software for quantitative and qualitative analysis; and develop an attitute for learning new techniques in these fields.
7)	o identify and to have a knowledge of the theories related to urban and rural sociology and demography, and political sociology, sociology of gender, sociology of body, visual sociology, sociology of work, sociology of religion, sociology of knowledge and sociology of crime.
8)	To have knowledge of how sociology is positioned as a scientific discipline from a philosophical and historical perspective
9)	To have the awareness of social issues in Turkish society, to develop critical perspective in analysing these issues and to have a knowledge of the works of Turkish sociologists and to be able to transfer this knowledge
10)	To have the awareness of social issues and global societal processes and to apply sociological analysis to development and social responsibility projects
11)	To have the ability to define a research question, design a research project and complete a written report for various fields of sociology, either as an individual or as a team member.