Instructional goals
The lab aims to familiarize students with the writing of a degree thesis, i.e. an original research paper larger than a simple paper. It presents perspectives from different disciplines (in order to allow structuring the research question and the thesis), as well as the specific technical tools for writing a thesis.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites.
Intended learning outcomes
Ability to structure one's research interests in form of a specific research question; ability to design the thesis’ structure and to evaluate a research design, according to the perspectives of different disciplines; ability to use technical tools for bibliographic searches and the management of bibliographic references in the thesis.
Course Contents
General introduction. Designing and structuring a master's degree thesis according to different disciplinary perspectives: political science, sociology, legal disciplines, historical disciplines. Bibliographic research and technical tools for managing bibliographic references.
Reference Books
Materials shared by the instructors.
Teaching Methods
Class lectures; interactive exercises
Assessment Method
Attendance and active participation are required for students who are compliant.
*ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF LECTURES WILL BE ESSENTIAL FOR PASSING THE COURSE.*
For anyone who is not compliant, a subsequent ad hoc remedial session will be arranged in consultation with the lecturer to enable them to achieve the required standard. The session will consist of an intensive and interactive format of participatory lessons with the lecturer, covering all course topics.
Compliant Status: Students who actively participate in at least 70% of lessons (recorded via the BEACON system).
Non-Compliant Status: Students who do not meet the minimum threshold of 70% classroom attendance are deemed non-compliant.
Exempt from compulsory attendance: Students with proven health issues, documented work commitments/placements, or competitive sporting activities recognised by the University. Exempted students will be notified to lecturers via MyLuiss (requests for exemption from students are approved by the School). Students participating in an international mobility programme (e.g. Double Degree, Erasmus) are also exempt from compulsory attendance.
Thesis assignment criteria
n/a.
Week 1
Writing a thesis on parties and voters – materials shared by the instructors.
Week 2
Writing a thesis in other disciplines within GAP degree programme (e.g., law, history, journalism, public policy analysis; TBC) – materials shared by the instructors.
Week 3
Applying to PhD programmes in Italy and abroad – materials shared by the instructors.
Week 4
LUISS Library User education – materials shared by the instructors.
Week 5
n/a.
Week 6
n/a.
Week 7
n/a.
Week 8
n/a.
Week 9
n/a.
Week 10
n/a.
Week 11
n/a.
Week 12
n/a.