This is the second part of a two-semester course that aims at teaching Master’s students how to conduct an interdisciplinary research project. This year, all research topics relate to covid-19 where students will be asked to conduct research aiming at assessing socioeconomic issues that arose during the pandemic. In the first semester (winter term 2020/21), the students formed groups and conceptualized their research project. This second semester is dedicated to the realization of the proposed group projects under the guidance of the lecturers. As part of their project, the students will have to conduct a quantitative empirical analysis. When applicable, the students will also have the option of collecting data themselves. At the beginning of each lecture, the students will have not only to present their progress but also to give constructive feedback to the other groups. The students will present their final results during the last lecture and write a scientific report.

After the course students will be able to independently:

• develop and plan a research project
• conduct a literature review on a specific research question with regard to all relevant scientific disciplines
• choose a methodological approach that is appropriate for the research question; plan and conduct a quantitative, empirical analysis
• write up a project report including all relevant information and results
• orally present and discuss the research approach and findings

Furthermore, the course promotes the following (soft) skills:

• working in (research) teams
• dealing with conflicts within a team
• ability to independently organize and schedule a project
• ability to deal with and manage scientific challenges

It is mandatory to attend the first lecture unless otherwise explicitly informed by e-mail. 75% attendance is required. In march, all WU courses will be hold in distance mode. If teaching on campus is possible during the rest of the summer term, this course will be hold on-site. Attendance can be achieved by a combination of in-person and online participation to the course.

The course applies a combination of independent research conducted in

• self-organized student groups
• lectures on different interdisciplinary research approaches, relevant methods and theories
• instruction on the necessary steps and support in the implementation of a research project
• regular discussion of the research progress

Assessments (relative weights in the final grade)

• Written research paper based on the project proposal and research design presented in part I of the course (50%)
• Presentation of the results gained within the research project (30%)
• Active participation during plenary sessions (20%)

Grades (point ranges)

• 1: Excellent (90-100 points)
• 2: Good (80-89 points)
• 3: Satisfactory (65-79 points)
• 4: Sufficient (50-64 points)
• 5: Fail (0-49 points)

Successful completion of:

• PI "Grundlagen der Sozioökonomie"

We strongly suggest the completion of:

• Block "Theorien und Methoden der Sozioökonomie"