In the third school year, the PPV programme comprises two components plus ongoing Mentorate: 

·        The subject ‘Methodology and Philosophy of Science’ in period 3C (2.0 ECTS credits) 

·        Studium Generale (SG, 0.5 ECTS credits) concerning a subject to be announced later.

·        Mentorate (two conversations; see module book Mentorate). Purpose of Mentorate in year 3 is the drawing up of a personal development plan. The number of hours for this has been categorised under PPV1. Apart from this, the mentor will organise two voluntary group activities. 

Methodology is for third-year's students only, prepares for Bachelor's Proof of Competence.

PPV3A: Methodology and Philosophy of Science Component

Students should:

1.      be able to conduct a methodologically justified (small) theological research (within the framework of the Bachelor's Proof) and report it at an academic level (FAL 5.6);

2.      be aware of the problems and pitfalls that can occur when conducting research and writing a thesis, be able to explain how these can be prevented (FAL 5.6);

3.      be able, within the framework of the Bachelor's Proof of Competence, to write a Research Plan (FAL 5.6);

4.      be capable of reproducing various scientific conceptions or theories (FAL 4);

5.      be able to reflect on the question to what extent insights and positions from Philosophy of Science clarify the academic character of Reformed theology (FAL 4.8).

PPV3A: Methodology and Philosophy of Science Component

In the Methodology lectures, the nature and function of a Research Plan will be discussed, as well as the various types and functions of research, various skills and tactics for the proposal of an adequate research question and the setting up and conducting of academic research. The skills and tactics for correctly writing a report will also come up for discussion.

Reflection on the academic nature of theology will receive attention in the lectures Philosophy of Science. These offer an overview of accepted Philosophical Scientific approaches and a philosophical reflection on the nature and borders of academic knowledge acquisition. 

PPV3A: Methodology and Philosophy of Science Component

Formal lectures and tutorials; independent study and literature study; assignments

PPV3A: Methodology and Philosophy of Science Component

Contact hours: 11 hours 
Preparation for lectures: writing draft research proposal 12 hours, conducting interview 5 hours 
Independent study: literature 10 hours; paper 9 hours; presentation 4 hours; learning gain report 5 hours; total 28 hours

PPV3A: Methodology and Philosophy of Science Component

Portfolio is appraised with satisfactory yes/no and consists of:

·        Paper concerning a chapter from Brink 2004 (1500 words)

·        Presentation about a chapter from Brink 2004 plus at-random critical discussion

·        Draft research proposal (1000 words)

·        Summary of an interview with an experienced researcher (1000 words)

·        Learning gain report Methodology (1000 words)

A suitable format is sought annually for the Studium Generale activities. The lectures are usually scheduled in period C (February); see the timetable.

Students from all three bachelor years will spend two days jointly focusing on a specific theme. Learning objectives are set for each session. Participation is mandatory and is assessed as passed/failed.

Mentorship comprises two sessions (see mentorship module book). The goal of mentorship in year 3 is to draw up a Personal Development Plan. The number of hours for this is allocated to BT-PPV1. In addition, the mentor organizes two (voluntary) group activities.

Assessment method: participation in the mentor sessions.

Literature Methodology and Philosophy of Science*

Recommended literature*

·        Boekhorst, A. e.a., Informatievaardigheden (Lemma, 2005)

·        Dassen, Th.W.N. e.a., Lezen en beoordelen van onderzoekspublicaties (Thieme Meulenhoff, 2010 or newer)

·        Jungslager, Francisca & Maljaars, Wilma, Kritisch denken & schrijven: van onderzoeksvraag naar wetenschappelijke tekst. 2nd edition (Coutinho 2023).

·        Mortelmans, D., Handboek kwalitatieve onderzoeksmethoden (Acco, 2013 or newer)

·        Oost, H. en A. Markenhof, Een onderzoek voorbereiden (HBUitgevers, 2010)

·        Oost, H., Een onderzoek uitvoeren (HBUitgevers, 2012)

·        Oost, H., Een onderzoek rapporteren (HBUitgevers, 2011)

·        Oost, H., Een onderzoek presenteren (HBUitgevers, 2011)

·        Siljee, K. Je scriptie de baas: hoe je stressvrij een scriptie schrijft (Amsterdam University Press, 2019) 

·        Wisse, Maarten, and Johan Roeland. “Building Blocks for Developing a Research Question: The ABC-Model”. Teaching Theology & Religion 25, no. 1 (2022): 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1111/teth.12603.

*) Literature for English speaking students will be provided at Canvas.