12 ECTS credits
338 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 1019954BNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.

Semester
1st and 2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Enrollment Requirements
Studenten die dit opleidingsonderdeel opnemen, moeten geslaagd zijn voor 'Communicatiewetenschappen II', 'Mediabeleid', 'Kwantitatieve methoden' en 'Kwalitatieve methoden'.
Taught in
Dutch
Faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences & SolvayBusinessSchool
Department
Communication Sciences
Educational team
Ike Picone (course titular)
Rein Demunter
Jana Goyvaerts
Axelle Asmar
Sarah Vis
Stephanie Tintel
Freija Poot
Michael Pakvis
Promotor .
Activities and contact hours

28 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
310 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

The bachelor paper follows the system of a student research. The main aim of this course is to familiarize students with applied scientific research within the broad domain of Communication Sciences, by letting them execute a concrete research assignment, in team and under supervision, and report the research results, through oral presentation and by writing an individual bachelor papers.

Important is the connection with research as a professional practice. Hence, the various supervisors, including  teachers, assistants and researchers will issue a concrete call for tender, to which the students can apply in teams.

Throughout the academic year the teams meet with their supervisor in various seminars, which take the form of team meetings, where the team members discuss possible directions for research, decisions and division of tasks with their supervisors. This will happen in the different phases of the research project. The students then independently execute the various tasks.

At the end, the group presents the results both in oral and written form to the supervisor, possibly joint by a jury of experts.

Course material
Practical course material (Required) : Taakopgave leeronderzoek bachelorproef Communicatiewetenschappen
Additional info

Students will find additional information in the document ‘guidelines bachelorpaper’ that will be made available through the Canvas-page of the course at the beginning of the academic year.

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

This course has four specific outcomes:

1. Translate a pre-defined reseach assignment in a phased research plan. The students are capable of discerning  and executing the crucial phases of an applied scientific research project:

  • Translate the research problem in tangible research questions,
  • Develop an adequate theoretical and conceptual framework,
  • Choosing an adequate research methodology and corresponding data gathering methods
  • Gathering and analyzing the necessary data
  • Report results towards both societal stakeholders and the academic community

2. Coherently and consequently match the phases on onto another

  • Draft the research questions in order for them to contribute to solving the identified problem
  • Select the theoretical literature in a way that concepts are proposed that allow to tackle the problem at hand
  • Select a methodology that allows to adequately answer the research question
  • Analyse the data in a way that the research questions can be answered
  • Report the results in a way that links with the existing literature can be made

3. Report the research results in a clear manner

  • For the supervisor and experts, orally and in team
  • For the larger academic community, by way of an individual bachelor paper

4. Set up the research in a real life setting and thus take into account

  • The collaboration with team members (division of task, knowledge sharin, internal communication, works towards consensus, decision making)
  • Time-management (report on set times, insert preliminary deadlines)
  • The relation with the supervisor (preliminary reports, adjustments based on input of the supervisor)

The bachelor paper contributes to the following general learning outcomes:

  • The students show knowledge and understanding of the various research paradigms, the main theoretical traditions and concepts within Communication Sciences,
  • The students show understanding in the position and relation of these paradigms and research traditions, and are able to relate them to other theories, methods, concepts and models in other disciplines (interdisciplinarity).
  • The students show knowledge and understanding of applied research methods
  • The students show understanding in the diverse sources and research techniques
  • The students demonstrate a critical attitude towards source materials and literature
  • The students are able to formulate a scientifically grounded judgment in the spirit of free, critical and non-dogmatic research. They do no strive to find ‘ultimate truths’, but start from an open attitude in scientific debates and the relativity of insights.
  • The students reflect on their own position as scientist, their own assumptions and preconceptions
  • The students show an open mind in a culturally diversion international context. They critically reflect on their own geographic, social, cultural and personal position
  • The students develop a willingness to listen and mutual respect and base discussions on scientific and empirically grounded arguments
  • The students are able to apply, under guidance, knowledge and insights in the various supplied research methods and techniques within in Communication Sciences

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 40% of the final mark.
Bachelor thesis determines 60% of the final mark.

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Presentation with a relative weight of 25 which comprises 25% of the final mark.

    Note: Presentation (as a team) of the results, in oral and written form
  • Peer-assesment with a relative weight of 15 which comprises 15% of the final mark.

    Note: Evaluation by the teammembers

Within the Bachelor thesis category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Bachelor Paper with a relative weight of 50 which comprises 50% of the final mark.

    Note: Individual Bachelorpaper
  • Literature Study with a relative weight of 10 which comprises 10% of the final mark.

    Note: Individual Literature Study

Additional info regarding evaluation

Grading consist of the following categories

On an individual level (75% of the final score)

  • The bachelorpaper, an individual, scientific paper (50%)
  • The literature study, a preparatory, short paper (10%)
  • The Peer Assessment, co-assessment of your team mates (15%)

On a group level (25% of the final score)

  • The team presents the results, in oral and written form.
Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Communication Studies: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)