88018 - Critical Reading Laboratory (A)

Academic Year 2019/2020

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Forli
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in International relations and diplomatic affairs (cod. 8048)

Learning outcomes

The laboratory objective is to introduce the participants to the critical reading and understanding of texts (inherent to political and social sciences), starting from a first theoretical basis and from the subsequent examination of significant cases. At the end of the workshop the student acquired the necessary skills in order to synthesize, schematize (even in written form), contextualize, critically analyze the theoretical, empirical and methodological aspects of the text under examination (volume, paper in journal, research report, short article).

Course contents

The sessions will examine articles on theory, methods and themes widespread in the social sciences.

Each week the study material will be distributed.

A critical reading deals with an article, book, report, etc. to examine how the argument, method, narrative, or data described are actually effective. Writing a solid critical analysis means following a series of steps in the writing process. The lessons will therefore be based on the following topics: identification of the thesis in its scientific context; analysis of the text structure; clarity, consistency and precision in the exposition; solidity of the argument; scientific criticism and controversy.

Readings/Bibliography

As a basis and support for lectures, we recommend reading the following texts:

Corbetta P. (2015), La ricerca sociale: metodologia e tecniche. III. Le tecniche qualitative, Il Mulino, Bologna. 2^ Edizione, capitolo 3, “L’uso dei documenti”, pp. 105-150.

Iacona A. (2010), L’argomentazione, Piccola Biblioteca Einaudi, Torino (no exercises).

Teaching methods

Interactive lessons: the lessons will deal with the topics indicated through the analysis of written texts and the students will develop critical skills in text reading and writing a review.

Assessment methods

Qualifying examination: One review essay of maximum 1000 words to hand in by a date to be determined

Teaching tools

Slides, videos.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Fabbri