The course seeks to enhance doctoral students' competence in social science to upgrade their productivity through the lecture, tutorial, and group discussion. It represents a core course to equip doctoral students for excellent performance in social science research. Students can demonstrate their excellence in writing essays, reviews, rejoinders, and discussion reports. 

Course Aims: 

This course aims to boost students' competence in social science, including its research, reasoning, and production, in a customized way to fit individual students' talents and aspirations. That is, the course is to nurture students to become conversant, vibrant, poised, devoted, accomplished, and thereby excellent social scientists.

AT1: Literature review and research ethics (20%)

In semester A, each student is to follow guidelines of research ethics and conduct proper literature review within the ambit. The review shall cover relevant concepts and address knowledge gaps. It is not just a review of existing research, but also a reflection and/or probably innovation on theory (and methodology).

AT2: Lab skill assignments for quantitative research methods (40%)

In-class and take-home skill-based assessments would be given in semester A and semester B. Students need to utilize their knowledge and skills learned in the class to analyze datasets provided by the course instructor. They also will evaluate statistical methods in the selected papers and may propose alternative ways to conduct studies.

AT3: Discussion seminars (40%)

In semester A and semester B, selected articles and questions related to research design would be distributed to students for group discussions and individual presentations. Individual students and groups need to present their evaluations and suggestions in class and respond to comments from the instructors and classmates.