Methodology I

Teacher(s)

Lits Grégoire; Philippette Thibault;

Language

French

Content

UAA 1 – Introduction to Information and Source Criticism
Cognitive objectives: Identify, analyze, and evaluate different types of information sources.
1.1. Identification and classification of information sources: written, oral, visual, numerical (Knowledge, Comprehension).
1.2. Analysis and distinction between scientific and non-scientific sources (Analysis).
1.3. Application of critical rules: formalizing a rigorous scientific reasoning process to evaluate the reliability and relevance of information (Application, Evaluation).
UAA 2 – Introduction to Scientific Research and Source Referencing
Cognitive objectives: Search, organize, and critically assess scientific sources.
2.1. Familiarization and use of scientific research tools: libraries, databases, and specialized web resources (Knowledge, Application).
2.2. Learning and applying the APA bibliographic referencing style (Application).
2.3. Critical reading and synthesis: introduction to analyzing scientific sources and writing critical reading notes (Analysis, Evaluation).
2.4. Explanation and practice of the literature review process: synthesizing, comparing, and prioritizing existing knowledge (Analysis, Synthesis).
UAA 3 – Practical Exercises and Group Work
Cognitive objectives: Apply, analyze, and create critical outputs based on sources.
Active participation in class sessions and hands-on group exercises aimed at applying bibliographic techniques and evaluating the quality and relevance of sources (Application, Analysis, Evaluation).
Collaborative production: developing critical syntheses and recommendations based on analyzed information (Creation).
UAA 1 - Introduction to epistemology in information and communication sciences:
1.1. Overview of traditional epistemologies (positivism, constructivism, phenomenology, etc.) and contemporary epistemologies (digital humanism, feminism and intersectionality, anthropocene, etc.) in ISC
1.2.Focus on epistemologies leading to comprehensive
1.3.Focus on epistemologies leading to explanatory approaches
UAA 2 - Overview of research methods:
2.1. Review of methodology, epistemological perspective, and choice of methods
2.2. Overview of the main qualitative methods in SIC
2.3. Overview of the main quantitative methods in SIC
2.4. Reflective review of the interdisciplinarity of SIC and hybrid approaches
UAA 3 - Practical exercises: in addition to attending classes, students will be divided into groups for several practical “field” exercises designed to introduce them to observation, note-taking, and analysis techniques.

Teaching methods

The course will alternate between lectures and practical exercises. Part of the course material will also be covered through self-directed learning activities available on Moodle.
The course is based on a participatory and interactive approach. Students will be regularly assessed on their understanding of the subject matter (anchoring) and invited to simulate different research approaches in role-playing exercises during class. In addition, several field observation and note-taking exercises will be organized and supervised by teaching assistants.

Evaluation methods

The grade is the arithmetic sum of the various assignments (individual and group) required.
For the resit session, assignments that were not passed must be redone. In the case of group assignments, they must be completed individually under the same conditions.
The assessment will combine:

• A participation grade (20%): attendance and performance in quizzes and case studies during class.
• Fieldwork (80%): completion of three fieldwork assignments with a progression principle (20-25-35%).

In the second session:
The second session will consist of a written exam testing knowledge and application of the material covered in class, as well as a portfolio of additional readings. The second session will no longer take participation or assignments into account.

Other information

In this course, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is guided by the guidelines set out in the AI smart teaching note: https://oer.uclouvain.be/jspui/handle/20.500.12279/1007.
Here are the principles to follow:
• Transparency: If you use an AI tool to assist you in writing, researching, or organizing your ideas, you must explicitly mention this in your work. This includes language correction, translation, creating an outline, or summarizing a text.
• Authenticity: Submitted work must reflect your personal understanding and skills. The use of AI must not obscure or replace your intellectual and critical approach.
• Responsibility: You are fully responsible for the content submitted, even if AI tools have been used. Any unreported or abusive use may be considered an irregularity and will be punished in accordance with the study and examination regulations (in particular with regard to Chapter 4, Section 7 of the RGEE).
• Retention: Dialogues and interactions with AI tools used to produce content must be retained and available for verification until the results are announced.
Furthermore, with a view to energy and environmental efficiency, interactions with generative AI must be limited to what is strictly necessary for the task and are strictly prohibited when the instructions for an assignment explicitly or implicitly prohibit its use, or when the nature of the expected output is personal, unless prior authorization has been obtained.

Online resources

https://moodle.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=10435

Teaching materials

• N.Nova (2022). Exercices d'observation. Carnets parallèle.
• G.Derèze (2019). Méthodes empiriques de recherche en information et communication. INFOCOM (de Boeck Supérieur)

Faculty or entity

> ESPO