Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
International Peer Review
Field of study: Sociology (Master's programme)
HSE Faculty of Sociology
HSE Centre for Education Development in Social Sciences
Moscow 2013
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Глоссарий
ППС - профессорско-педагогический
состав (преподаватели)
Faculty staff
КСА – магистерская образовательная
программа Комплексный социальный
анализ
Master-level education programme “Complex
Social Analysis”
ПУД – программа учебной дисциплины
course programme
ООП – основная образовательная
программа
general education programme
ОП – образовательная программа
(совокупность всех дисциплин учебного
плана и текущего и итогового контроля и
других видов учебной деятельности:
практики, НИС)
Education programme, curriculum (including
all course and disciplines specified in study
plan, routine and final/end-of-course
monitoring and assessment, and other
educational activities such as Research
Workshop, supervised practice/internships,
etc.)
РУП – рабочий учебный план
Working Study Plan (WSP)
БУП – базовый учебный план
Basic Study Plan (BEP)
НИС – научно-исследовательский семинар
Research Workshop
ИГА – итоговая государственная аттестация Final Certifying Assessment
ИГЭ – итоговый государственный экзамен
Final Certifying Examination
ВКР – выпускная квалификационная работа graduation qualifying paper (thesis,
(диплом, магистерская диссертация)
dissertation)
ОС НИУ ВШЭ – оригинальный
образовательный стандарт НИУ ВШЭ
original education standard established by HSE
Authors: A.Yu.Chepurenko, M.D.Bershadskaya, A.A.Kozhanov, M.V.Artamonova
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
4. Master's programmes
4.1. HSE Master's programme Standard. Master's programmes regulations
Master's programme standard is a master's programme model/template, which sets
forward the rules and requirements for all HSE master-level programmes in the field of
Sociology
(full
text
is
available
at
http://www.hse.ru/data/2012/04/06/1251324954/ОрГОС%20СОЦИОЛОГИЯ%20МАГИСТР_итог.pdf).
Please see Appendix A 4.7 for the Standard of the Master's programme in the field of
Sociology in English.
The curriculum standard in the field of Sociology complies with the following general HSE
education standards applied in the university:
1. A limited number of core disciplines
 core courses/disciplines to develop basic competencies (including professional and
general education skills);

a wide range of elective courses/disciplines (so the student can develop their
individualized education path in accordance with personal interests).
2. Developing general and specific knowledge and competencies (in social science and
humanities) through long-term study courses and programmes (including elective courses);
3. Comprehensive basic training in economics and managerial academic courses for all students
regardless of their particular specialization fields.
4. Profound knowledge of English. A choice of other foreign languages that students can learn in
addition to English varies depending on academic fields.
5. Developing analytical and research skills and competencies (particularly through Research
Workshops commencing from the first year of study).
Requirements pertaining to the development and implementation of HSE master-level
programmes
http://www.hse.ru/docs/10813204.html
General principles and requirements pertaining to master-level programmes, including
regulations on their development, conceptualization and presentation to the Academic Council
are set forth in a document approved in 2008, which remains mostly relevant today (with minor
amendments that do not invoke considerable changes in the MA programme development
process). As a structural unit of HSE, the Faculty of Sociology fully complies with the
University's internal regulations. To make international experts familiar with internal processes
and regulations pertaining to the academic society in the field of Social Sciences, a brief outline
follows further:
(For more details, please see the attached document: pravila_mag_progr 2008.doc)
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Overall Structure of the Working Study Plan and Credit Transfer
The Working Study Plan of a master-level programme involves the following components:
 core curriculum (prescribed and elective academic courses);
 Research Workshop;
 research practice/internship;
 course paper;
 Master's thesis1.
The number of credits (ECTS) corresponding to every component is indicated in the working
study plan.
The number of credits students can earn from every curriculum component is based on course
load and calculated according to the formula: 1 credit per 36 study hours.
In accordance with the international ECTS standards, all student enrolled in the MA programme
are required to earn a minimum of 60 ECTS credits per annum, a total of 120 ECTS credits over
a 2-year period of study, in order to graduate.
It is recommended as well that every master's programme offers a maximum number of credits to
earn from elective courses within the student's individualized education plan, in order to
encourage a reasonable choice of academic courses. The maximum available number of ECTS
credits amounts to 66.
Structure of academic courses
The Working Study Plan involves the following academic courses and disciplines:
 prescribed academic disciplines/courses;
 adaptation courses;
 elective courses within this Master's programme;
 elective courses available within the given MA programme's Working Study Plan or other
programmes study plans.
Prescribed academic disciplines/courses. Compulsory courses can earn a maximum of 36
credits (no more than one half of theoretical course load). Desirable workload is up to 18 credits.
Adaptation courses.
Basic compulsory disciplines are complemented by adaptation courses, which are required for
those students transferred to this master's programme from other universities or other majors.
Adaptation courses aim to bridge the knowledge gaps between all other incoming students and
those students who have completed this Faculty master's programme, in order to ensure an
inclusive education process2.
1
2
It can be included in the research and teaching internship curriculum.
By decision of the MA programme head, adaptation courses can be made compulsory for
graduate students from other HSE departments/faculties or other universities. A complete list of those
students required to attend shall be specified in this programme Regulations.
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Adaptation courses are not included in the total number of credits, as they are supplementary to
the core Working Study Plan.
Adaptation courses shall be organized if there is a minimum group of 5 students required to sign
up. Students from different master's programmes can be grouped together. If there is less than
five students, they can join a group of undergraduate students to study a relevant course.
Elective courses. All other academic disciplines are elective. Students can make their choice
from a preset number of general courses. Part of these courses of choice can be involved in the
Research Workshop. Above all, students are advised to make choice from the general number of
disciplines.
Elective courses are divided into two parts, with a minimum of 25 percent of the total theoretical
course load per each. One part is to be chosen from elective courses of the student's Master's
programme. Other elective courses can be drawn from the curriculum of this Master's
programme as well as from other Master's programmes of this Faculty and other departments.
The choice of courses from other Master's programmes shall be made on the student's own
accord. Every Master's programme director is responsible for specifying the formal requirements
as to the kind of courses and the level of programmes that can or cannot be selected under the
supervised Master's Programme. For example, it can be decided that only master-level courses or
courses from a limited number of Faculties/Departments can be selected.
Within the Master's programme, the courses shall be scheduled in such a way as to allow
students to take any combination of academic courses selected under its working study plan
framework. The University cannot guarantee that there would be no conflict of schedules if
disciplines of choice are selected from working plans of other programmes.
Any academic credit earned under other programme courses shall be transferred back to the
Programme with no weighting factors/adjustments.
Additional academic credits can be earned by completing extra-curricula university optional
courses, which are included in the student's overall extra-curricula rankings. These optional
courses are not included into the required academic credit under the MA programme.
Research Workshop
Research Workshops are hosted by all major-administering sub-departments responsible for the
implementation of master's programmes. Every sub-department develops a concept summary and
programme of its Research Workshop. Please see Appendix 2 for a sample workshop concept
summary.
If the number of students enrolled in the Research Workshop exceeds 25, the sub-department is
recommended to hold the workshop in two simultaneous groups.
The Workshops are held over two years of study (specific modules/semesters are to be specified
by the director of the Master's Programme). The Research Workshop involves weekly classroom
sessions, in accordance with the approved Academic Schedule, and students' individual study
hours. The Research Workshop schedule involves intermediate and final knowledge checks/tests;
a failure to pass the test results in a failed academic assignment in the student's academic record.
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
If there are two or more Research Workshops at the Master's Programme, the student can make
their own choice of workshop. It is mandatory to complete one workshop. The student can also
attend other Research Workshops (on agreement with workshop supervisors) without being
required to pass the intermediate and final, end-of-course tests.
Alongside with the Research Workshop, other academic assignments/processes can be
introduced to foster students' research activities and skills.
Course Hours Balance Planning
The calculation of hours for the development of working study plans is based on the established
standards, involving:
 student's weekly in-class course load;
 course teaching depth/intensity and duration;
 the balance of in-class and out-of-class study hours for students.
Over the first one and a half years of study, the average recommended weekly in-class course
load for students amounts to 16 hours. In the second term of the second study year, only
Research Workshops can be scheduled. In module 5 of the second study year, there are no
classroom study hours.
The recommended course teaching intensity rate is 4 hours per week, which is considered to be
most suitable for efficient study of course material and individual studies. Typically, this involves
one lecture and one seminar or practical session per week (which may vary). The recommended
Research Workshop course load is also based on a 4 classroom hour per week formula
throughout the study period.
The recommended discipline teaching duration is two or more modules, with a minimum of 56
study hours per module. Shorter courses can also be introduced, but as a total these should not
exceed one-third of the course disciplines.
The in-class and out-of-class study hours balance for students in all academic disciplines is
based on the 40/60 formula. The only exception is the research workshop, which can shift the
hour balance in favour of independent study hours.
Regulations on the Development of Individualized Education Plan
Every student develops their own Individualized Education Plan (IEP), based on their choice
of academic courses and a research workshop within the Master's programme. Sub-departments
and supervisors/academic advisors must not enforce a particular choice of disciplines.
General guidelines. Working curricula are published on the Programme website before the
beginning of Module 1. Within the first three weeks of Module/term 1, all academic
courses/disciplines of choice available under the Programme are introduced to students through a
series of presentations. The IEP is to be approved for the whole academic year. Students must
complete and submit their IEP forms no later than September 21. The IEPs are to be approved by
the Department no later than October 1, changes and amendments can be made till October 8 at
latest.
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
The student is expected to choose a thesis Supervisor, and the student's decision is to be
validated by the major-administering sub-department before the end of the second module (first
term), first year of study. The Supervisor is not always a faculty member of this sub-department.
Every student has to develop their IEP so that the number of credits per academic year amounts
to between 60 and 66. If the total amount of credits per academic year does not fit within the
specified limits of 60– 66, the student is required to reconsider and resubmit their IEP .
Prior to the IEP submission, the student can attend any courses/disciplines of choice and course
presentations in order to familiarize themselves with the course contents and to make informed
IEP decisions.
Student's responsibility for choosing courses. The more freedom of choice students acquire,
the higher is their responsibility for the choice of courses they make. An Individual Education
Plan signed by the student and approved by supervisors is compulsory for the student.
A failure to attend courses of choice as well as compulsory disciplines included in the student's
IEP results in a failed academic assignment. Choosing alternative elective disciplines is not
allowed during the academic year in case of failed academic assignments.
In case of a failure to provide a signed IEP for any reason by September 21 in the current year, or
if the student's IEP is not properly developed, the IEP will be (re)developed by the Master's
programme Director. After the approval of the IEP by the Department Dean, this IEP becomes
compulsory even if it has not been signed by the student.
Changing/amending the IEP. Any changes to the existing IEP (including discipline
amendments or cancellations) can only be done if any of the following applies:
 the discipline/course was cancelled (number of students less than required);
 the student was denied admission (due to his failing to meet the admission
requirements, if any);
 conflict of schedule with other MA Programme courses.
In these cases, the student must amend their existing IEP (i.e. remove the discipline in question
from the IEP) within one week after the date of official announcement by the Master's
Programme Director on the programme web site. The student must add an alternative creditearning discipline of choice to complete his IEP if required.
Any changes to the existing/approved IEP can be done in the order established for the IEP
approval.
If there are multiple Research Workshops within one Master's Programme, the choice of the
workshop made by the student in his IEP applies to the whole period of study (two years).
Transfers to alternative Research Workshops should be avoided. An exception can only be made
to transfer to an alternative Workshop within one same MA Programme, and the IEP must be
amended accordingly.
7
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Completion of the Individualized Education Plan
Requirements for the completion of the first year study plan, compulsory in order to advance to
the next/second year of study, involve the following:
1. All compulsory disciplines satisfactory completed/passed (including all adaptation courses for
incoming students/graduates from other universities/departments);
2. A minimum of 60 credits earned over the academic year;
3. Course paper is submitted and scored satisfactory;
4. No more than 2 failed academic assignments within this course;
5. A required preset minimum of credits earned over the first term (modules 1–2) in the first
academic year (e.g., 15 credits)
In order to graduate, students must meet requirements for the completion of the second year
study plan, which involve items 2, 4 and 5 of the above, and successfully defend their MA thesis.
Surplus credit earned beyond the first-year limit amount (i.e., exceeding 60 credits) cannot be
transferred/counted as the second year credit.
Any failure in meeting any of the requirements will result in the student's dismissal.
Failed academic assignments. Unsatisfactory scores in one or two disciplines of choice
(including unsatisfactory retaken exams) will not result in the dismissal of student. If a minimum
of 60 credits is earned successfully over the academic year, the student's IEP is considered
implemented. The student is subject to dismissal if they have three failed academic disciplines
simultaneously within one term (including failed Research Workshop), or if they have one failed
compulsory course (after all repeated exams).
Extended study period. Fee-paying students are allowed to include one extended year in their
Individual Education Plans, if part of their credit is transferred to the next year. Credit transfer
can be done only if there aren't three failed academic disciplines or one failed compulsory
discipline (after all repeated exams). No more than 12 credits can be transferred from the first
study year to the second year. In any case the student will be allowed to advance to the second
year only upon their full completion of the first year curriculum.
Extension can be provided for one year only. Those students enrolled on full, state-subsidised
scholarships may be provided an extension year only if they officially apply to sign a fee-based
education contract.
Number of Student Admissions to Elective Courses
Elective disciplines can be delivered if there is a minimum required number of students willing
to sign up. Every Programme Manager can also specify a maximum number of admitted students
in the elective course.
The minimum number of students. An announced elective discipline will be taught if a
minimum of 10 students have signed up. For master's programmes with a total number of
students below 20, the minimum elective course threshold can be reduced to 8 students. Core
curriculum disciplines can exceptionally be taught with at least five enrolled students. Research
Workshop can be held if a minimum of five students have signed up.
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
The maximum number of students. Master's programme Directors are advised to specify the
maximum number of students per course in consultation with the course teachers based on
course capacities, in order to encourage a more balanced distribution of students between a range
of available courses.
For most popular courses, Master's programme Directors in consultation with course teachers
may establish specific selection criteria, which may involve the following:
 Priority can be given to those students who have signed up for a Research Workshop
administered by this sub-department;
 admission can be based on entrance examination scores in specific discipline;
 admission can be based on the overall academic ranking of students over the whole
period of study (starting from the second term of the first year; the first semester can
generally be used only to compare undergraduate students from one HSE department
and one year of study).
Other selection criteria may be established by Master's programme Directors.
Selection criteria for courses shall be published at the Master's programme web site before the
start of the academic year. A student who has not met the selection criteria for one course has to
choose other one.
If an announced elective course or Research Workshop is not taking place (due to the lack of
students willing to sign up), students are encouraged to sign up for other course/workshop and
have their IEPs properly amended.
Recommended follow-up to cancelled academic courses (due to the lack of students who signed
up) is as follows: This course can be offered among elective courses for the next academic year.
If it repeatedly fails to attract a minimum number of students, the course is suspended from the
curriculum for one year. It can be put back in practice no earlier than in two years, and only upon
comprehensive review and content development, and pending the approval of the Teaching
Methodology Council. At teacher's request, this course can also be offered extra-curricular
(optional course).
Student Rankings
On-going Student Rankings. The current student rankings are developed twice a year in
accordance with the established HSE procedure. The current rankings for the first term of
academic year (for both first- and second-year students) are based on the scores on academic
disciplines with equal credit numbers (recommended number: 30). If a student earns a higher
number of credits, the highest credit-related grades will be used to calculate his ranking position.
If the number of credits earned by student is less, his ranking position is calculated according to
this smaller number, in order to discourage students from postponing major workload to the
second half of year. Correction factors for the calculation of current ranking positions in this case
are not used. Besides that, correlation “weights” can be used to compare credits earned from
different kind of courses.
At the end of the academic year, the current ranking is developed based on the all-year number
of credits, including the grades received for completed courses for a total of 60 credits. If a
student earns a higher number of credits, the highest credit-related grades will be used to
calculate his ranking position. If the number of credits earned by student is less, his ranking
position is calculated according to this smaller number
9
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Cumulative ranking. Cumulative rankings are calculated on the basis of student grades for all
credit-earning disciplines and forms of assignments that have been completed since the
beginning of study at the Master's programme in accordance with the established HSE
regulations.
4.2. Faculty of Sociology Master's Programmes: features and competitive advantages in
Russia's market of MA programmes in Sociology




Master's Programmes in Sociology at the Faculty of Sociology:
Sociology of the Public Sphere and Social Communications
Complex Social Analysis
Applied Methods of Social Analysis of Markets
Demography
Please see Figure 1 for the Education Programme layout
http://www.hse.ru/text/image/59454313.html
(1. Education Standards (ES): HSE has developed institutional ESs that set forth ambitious targets an
advanced requirements for students and teachers. ES is a most comprehensive document related to the
student education programme.
2. Basic Study Plans (BEP): developed on the basis of Education Standard as a detailed outline of what
would the student study every year.
3. Working Study Plans (WSP): developed on the basis of the Basic Study Plan for every year of study
outlining the distribution of disciplines by modules, the forms of the quality control and evaluation, and
a range of available core curriculum and elective courses.
4. Course Programme: a detailed outline of every WSP course contents, as well as assessment methods,
recommended reading, and samples of assignments. See specific course programmes in the Course
Database.)
Education Programme consists of three interrelated components: theoretical, research and
practical. For more details, see the Study Plan.
Please see Appendix 4.8 for the Master's programme Study Plan in English.
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
A bachelor-to-master succession plan is based on a basic cluster of specialized/professional
disciplines that are at the core of education at the Faculty of Sociology. Moreover, master-level
programmes have a variable part of courses that students can choose according to their
preferences.
Please see the matrix below.
Specialized Bachelor programme disciplines are a basis of Master-level programmes in the
field of Sociology
Professional component
(general professional disciplines)
Basic cluster
Sociological theory
Career development workshop
Methodology and Methods of Sociological
Research
Analysis of Sociological Data (1)
Research Workshop
Economic Sociology
Economic and Social Statistics
Demography
Structure of Society and Social
Stratification
Practical course on Economic Sociology
Social and Economic Anthropology
Course paper
General disciplines component
Basic cluster
Contemporary Sociological Theory: Explanation
Models and the Logic of Sociological Research
Research Methodology and Methods in Sociology
Programme disciplines component
Basic cluster
Theory and Practice of Online Research
Variable part of Programme
Variable component
Disciplines of choice (9 of 24) (9 of 2)
Disciplines of choice, first year of study (6 of 15)
Biographical Method is Sociology
Cultural (post)modern practices in Theory of
Modern context
Sample Survey Methods
Sociological Analysis of Ideology
Public Opinion Sociology
Sociology of Risk
11
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
L. Wittgenstein and Social Theory
Cultural sociology
Sociology of Childhood
Political Power: Theoretical Discourse and
Research Models
Environmental Sociology
History of Social Movements
Qualitative data analysis using ATLAS.ti software
Personalization and Intimacy
Discipline of choice — general university courses
Disciplines of choice, second year of study (3 of 8)
Methods and Practice of Social Research in the
Media
Social Geography of Post-Soviet Russia: a Cultural
Landscape
Reflexive Sociology
Comparative historical method in Social Studies
Sociology of Gender
(Post)modern City: Theories and Research Tactics
Anthropology of “Secure” Societies
Discipline of choice from other MA programme
4.3. Complex Social Analysis (CSA) Master's Programme
4.3.1. General Description. Competitive Advantages and Weaknesses Analysis
For expert analysis, we chose the programme Complex Social Analysis (field code:
040100.68 "Sociology"), the oldest of the Faculty's programmes that has been operating
since 2003.
The Complex Social Analysis Master's programme consists of three interrelated course
components aimed to:
 develop cognitive competencies in the field of Social Theory;
 provide fundamental education in sociological research methods;
 advance professional analytical skills and practical competencies through the study of a
wide range of elective applied disciplines.
Synthesis of fundamental theoretical background with advanced methodological skills
and knowledge of sociological research methods is a main feature of the CSA programme. Most
courses of the Programme are based on a bold theory component and aimed to build up practical
skills in applying theoretical knowledge to the analysis of various sociological contexts and
topics (from societal evolution and explanation models to conceptualizing ideology, power,
social policy, gender and so on). The programme consists of courses designed by highly
professional academic faculty members, who are actively involved in research and possess
profound knowledge, both on theoretical and methodological levels, as well as practical skills.
Currently there are scarcely any rival programmes who can be in direct competition with
the CSA programme in its market niche, although some other universities and training centres do
12
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
offer courses in similar fields. The Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH) has a
capacity to develop a similar programme, but currently there is no information on any masterlevel programmes at their Sociology Department web site. There are two master-level
programmes at the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)/Faculty of Sociology:
“Analysis and Forecasts of Social Processes and Social Change,” and “Applied Sociology:
Theory and Practice of Sociological Research,” however none of them can compare in the level
of education. There are no any similar programmes at the Russian State Social University
(RSSU). At the People's Friendship University of Russia (PFUR), some similar disciplines are
offered at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; but the topics cannot be directly
compared, and there is a lack of available information on the contents of these courses. Until
recently, the Department of Sociology and Political Science of the Moscow School of Social and
Economic Sciences (MSSES) had been able to compete with the CSA Master's Programme —
originally these two programmes were a joint programme held in 2003 through 2005/06 — but
nowadays it lacks the human resource capacity, particularly to teach sociological methodology.
To some extent, there are potentially competing programmes as far as in St. Petersburg,
including an MA programme at the European University, and the MA programme
“Contemporary Sociological Theories” at the St. Petersburg State University (SpbSU). The latter
still lacks a profound methodological component.
The Programme graduates are enabled:
 to pursue academic career, studying for a Ph.D. degree in Russian or international
programmes;
 to pursue professional career as senior analysts and senior officers in state-run agencies,
marketing and opinion survey companies, media companies, as well as corporate research
centres and consulting firms. It is important that the Programme alumni are able to
participate in preparation and implementation of complex projects that require practical
knowledge as well as research skills to develop a concept idea, apply research and
analytical methods, explore an issue and report the findings through research reports and
papers in in specialized publications. Acquired knowledge and skills enable Programme
graduates, having built up sufficient experience, to manage a team of professionals.
Programme graduates are employed by GfK Group Russia, FOM (Public Opinion
Research Foundation), OMI (Online Market Intelligence), Levada Centre, HSE research
departments and other companies.
 to work as public servants and officers in governmental agencies (ministries and
services).
4.3.2. Concept framework of the CSA Master's Programme
Studying sociology at the HSE is a guaranteed step to a successful academic career and a
significant competitive advantage in the employment market. The Master's programme
“Complex social analysis” was developed in accordance with up-to-date international Master's
programmes standards and best traditions of Russian university education. The Complex Social
Analysis Master's programme consists of three interrelated course components aimed to:
 develop cognitive competencies in the field of Social Theory;
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Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
 provide fundamental education in sociological research methods;
 advance professional analytical skills and practical competencies through the study of a
wide range of elective applied disciplines.
The knowledge and competencies developed by the Master's programme graduates allow them to
become highly qualified practical experts in sociology, who are able to develop, plan and carry
out independent sociological and marketing research, based on solid knowledge in social theory
and methodology. Besides that, top graduates of the programme can realize their academic
ambitions and pursue research and teaching career, through advanced post-graduate studies and
internships in leading European and American universities.
Upon graduation from the Programme our students are able to hold senior positions in corporate
units and departments dealing with sociological and marketing research, as well as to become
successful practical researchers, professional analysts and consultants in governmental agencies,
marketing firms and opinion survey companies, media companies, corporate research centres and
consulting firms.
As a relative “weakness” of the Programme, some Programme applicants see a significant
number of courses designed mostly for academic career. However, a rather narrow Russian
academic market as well as significant challenges faced by universities in developed countries
currently are not encouraging students to pursue academic careers. In this regard, there is a
certain kind of opportunistic behaviour amidst students who prefer to focus on practice-oriented
knowledge and skills, missing the opportunity to acquire a most comprehensive and fundamental
understanding on a wider range of issues pertaining to social development and modern societies.
Academic supervisor of the MA Programme — Doctor, Professor Inna F. Deviatko (Doctor of
Sociology).
Courses are delivered by leading professors and faculty members from the HSE, Institute of
Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Moscow School of Social and Economic
Sciences (MSSES), as well as experts from leading public opinion research companies and
marketing firms.
Please see more details in the CSA Programme presentation at the Faculty of Sociology website
http://www.hse.ru/data/2012/01/24/1264556249/Презентация%20КСА.ppt
4.3.3. Study Plan for the Duration of Programme (BEP/WSP)
Basic Study Plan (BEP), in accordance with the standards:
http://asav.hse.ru/basicplans.html?login=web&password=web&faculty=&regdepartment
Study Plan for Programme implementation over the period 2011 through 2013:
http://www.hse.ru/standards/rup/archive/?fid=24246
14
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Course programmes in the framework of education programme over the implementation period
are published on the web page: http://www.hse.ru/org/hse/soc/ksa/
Please see Appendix 4.8 for the Study Plan of the CSA Master's programme in English.
The Study Plan of Education Programme consists of three interrelated components:
theoretical; methodological; and professional and analytic skills and practical competences. This
structure has been developed for a long time; please see below course programmes from
previous years.
Course programmes
(http://hse.ru/edu/courses/index.html?words=&lecturer=&edu_level=78395&language=&level=
78399%3A1191945&mandatory=)
o
Sociological Analysis of Ideology. Author: R.N.Abramov, Assistant Professor,
Analysis of Social Institutes Sub-department.
(http://d1.hse.ru/data/713/588/1235/Abramov_ideology.doc)
o
L. Wittgenstein and Social Theory. Author: A.A.Kozhanov, Senior Lecturer, Analysis
of Social Institutes Sub-department
(http://d1.hse.ru/data/719/588/1235/Kojanov_Vitgenshtein.doc)
o
Sociology of Gender. Author: Dr. E.Yu.Mesherkina, Cand.Sc.(Philosophy)
(http://d1.hse.ru/data/717/588/1235/Sociology%20of%20gender.doc)
o
Theories of societal evolution. Author: Professor I.F. Deviatko
(http://d1.hse.ru/data/627/588/1235/Theory%20od%20societal%20evolution.doc)
o
Explanation Models in Sociology. Author: Professor Inna F. Deviatko
(http://d1.hse.ru/data/625/588/1235/Models%20of%20explanation.doc)
o
Transformational process in Russia: Social Mechanisms of Institutional Changes.
Author: Dr. M.A.Shabanova, Doctor of Sciences (Cand.Sc./Economics)
o
Social Ecology: An Environmental Sociology Perspective. Author: Dr. Karl Bruckmeier
o
Social and Economic System of Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia. Author: Dr.
O.I.Shkaratan, Doctor of Sciences (History), tenured Professor
(http://d1.hse.ru/data/635/588/1235/Shkaratan.doc)
o
Social Geography of Post-Soviet Russia: a Cultural Landscape. Author:
V.L.Kagansky. (http://d1.hse.ru/data/633/588/1235/Social%20geography.doc)
Core programme courses:
Theoretical component:
o Contemporary Sociological Theory: Explanation Models and the Logic of Sociological
Research
o Key issues of Sociology
15
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
o
o
o
Theories of societal evolution
Political Power: Theoretical Discourse and Research Models
L. Wittgenstein and Social Theory
Methodological component:
o Methodology of Sociological Research
o Sample Survey Methods
o Theory and Practice of Online Research
o Biographical Method is Sociology
o Qualitative data analysis using ATLAS.ti software
Professional and analytic skills and practical competences development component:
o Sociology of Politics: Mobilization Approach
o Sociological Analysis of Ideology
o Sociology of Gender
o Social Geography of Post-Soviet Russia: a Cultural Landscape
o Cultural (post)modern practices in Theory of Modern context
o Corporate social policy
o Sociology of Daily Life
4.3.4. Academic Schedule to demonstrate the Programme implementation, and course
capacities
Please see the Academic Schedule, with different types of assignments and responsible teachers,
on the Faculty of Sociology web page: http://soc.hse.ru/courses_schedules
4.3.5. Package of courses to implement the Programme Study Plan over the
implementation period
Please see Appendix A (4.9) for a package of courses under the Master's Programme “Complex
Social Analysis” — a sample of study courses given in 2012/2013 academic year from the Study
Courses database.
The
programmes
are
publicly
available
from
the
web
page
of
Study
courses
http://www.hse.ru/edu/courses/
4.3.6. Research and Practical Components within the Education Programme
Research activities of MA students is one of the three essential Programme components.
The summarizing and guiding document is the Research Workshop program.
Information on the Research Workshop “Complex Social Analysis” and its programme are
published online: http://www.hse.ru/edu/courses/54589863.html
Academic year: 2012/2013
Status: Compulsory course
16
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Teachers/lecturers: Svetlana P. Bankovskaya (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/228688)
(workshops), Ivan A. Klimov (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/63729) (workshops)
Administering unit: Analysis of Social Institutes Sub-department (http://soc.hse.ru/socinst/),
Faculty of Sociology (http://soc.hse.ru/)
Location: Faculty of Sociology (http://soc.hse.ru/)
Language: Russian
Level: Master's programme
Field: 040100.68 Sociology
Study programme: Complex Social Analysis
Period: year 2, modules 1–4
ECTS-credits: 8
Course programme:
Семинар_обновление (ред АК).doc(Author's version)
Research Workshop “Complex Social Analysis” (http://www.hse.ru/edu/courses/54589859.html)
Academic year: 2012/2013
Status: Compulsory course
Teachers/lecturers: Valery G. Ledyaev (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/131782) (lectures), Elena
Yu. Rozhdestvenskaya (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/3979527) (lectures)
Administering unit: Analysis of Social Institutes Sub-department (http://soc.hse.ru/socinst/),
Faculty of Sociology (http://soc.hse.ru/)
Location: Faculty of Sociology (http://soc.hse.ru/)
Language: Russian
Level: Master's programme
Field: 040100.68 Sociology
Study programme: Complex Social Analysis
Period: 1 year, modules 2–4
ECTS-credits: 10
Course programme:
17
Семинар_обновление (ред АК).doc(Author's version)
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Research Workshop concept framework
The workshop goals and objectives:
1. To familiarize post-graduate students and interns with key areas of research carried out by the
Analysis of Social Institutes Sub-department.
2. To provide support to students and interns in identifying research topics and developing
research background.
3. To organize and facilitate meetings with leading social academics and researchers for students
and interns.
4. To teach students and interns to help them develop research skills.
5. To teach students and interns to help them develop research presentation and discussion skills.
6. To facilitate the process of discussion and preparation of research projects by students and
interns.
Research Workshop organization:
The Research Workshop is held within modules 1–4 and involves 112 classroom hours,
scheduled according to the approved Academic Schedule, as well as students' independent study
hours (122 hours).
Research Workshop structure:
The Workshop consists of three main components (stages):
I) Activities to facilitate the identification of research topics (areas) by students and
interns (module 1): presentations by faculty staff and other scholars and experts to share their
knowledge of topical research areas in modern sociology and practical research experience;
discussion on draft research topics with students and interns; discussion of students and interns'
individualized education plans and projects development. At this stage, students are supposed to
choose their course paper topic and have it approved.
2) Activities to develop students and interns' research skills (module 2):
lectures and seminars on efficient information processing and work with literature, analysis
methodology and methods, field work experience and interviewing approaches, academic
writing skills. Like on the first stage, the Workshop will involve subdepartment teachers as well
as scholars from other departments and research institutions. At this stage, students begin to
collect material on their topic of research, to compile bibliography sources and to work on the
structure of their research work.
3) Discussion of students' research projects and (preliminary) results (modules 3 and 4).
Depending on the progress achieved, students can discuss either (a) the concept idea of course
paper; or (b) the field of research and major approaches to finding research problem solutions,
based on literature; or (c) a draft course paper. Each student is expected to make two
presentations: 1) general concept idea of work and literature review (module 3), and 2)
preliminary results of the study (module 4). The purpose of the first presentation is to facilitate a
18
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
best choice of strategies and approaches to the suggested research topic, and to identify
theoretical, methodological and technical issues and challenges that student may encounter in
their work. The purpose of the second presentation is to help advance and improve the draft text.
These components do not have to fall within the general schedule of academic year modules. The
Sub-department reserves the right to make amendments to the contents of the Programme and to
change the events schedule when necessary, to leverage the potential capacity of faculty,
researchers and experts, on the one hand, and students on the other hand.
Students outcomes on the Workshop:
Final grade is based on the following grades:
(1) For texts produced by the students (35%),
(2) for presentations (30%)
(3) for participation in discussions (35%).
Over the year, the student shall present three texts: 1) draft course paper (module 2); 2) literature
review (module 3); and 3) draft of course paper for preliminary defence (module 4).
Thematic plan:
№
Activity
Classroom
hours
Independent study Total
hours
Module 1
1.
Discussion of the Workshop goals and
4
purposes, its structure, and students' work
schedule
4
8
2.
Topical research issues in methodology of 4
Social Sciences
4
8
3.
Sociology of Power: General Discourse
and Key Research Approaches
Sociology of Gender: General Discourse
and Promising Research Approaches
Sociology of Social and Political
Movements: General Discourse and
Promising Research Approaches
Sociology of Education and Occupation:
General Discourse and Key Research
Approaches
Sociology of Science: General Discourse
and Promising Research Approaches
4
4
8
4
4
8
4
4
8
4
4
8
4
4
8
4.
5.
6.
7.
19
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Total
28
28
56
Module 3
8.
Analysis of work material from the
Sociological Congress sessions
8
8
16
9.
Key stages of scientific research
4
4
8
10. Secondary analysis of open databases
(including publicly available in the
Internet) in sociological research
4
4
8
11. Conceptual analysis in scientific research 4
4
8
12. The art of in-depth interviewing
4
4
8
13. The art of academic writing translation
and editing
4
4
8
14. Academic writing
4
4
8
32
32
64
22- Presentation and discussion of
27. preliminary findings of research
24
30
54
28. Research Workshop wrap-up
4
4
116
122
Total
Module 4
15- Presentation and discussion of course
21. paper concept ideas
Module 5
Total
238
Programme author: Valery G. Ledyaev (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/131782), Ph. D (University
of Manchester 1997, Government). Professor of Analysis of Social Institutes Sub-department.
Third component of the Programme is supervised practice, aimed to provide practical
training and on-job education in the process of working on real tasks in professional
environment.
In the second year, MA students have a supervised research practice, with a purpose to
collect, analyse and summarise research materials, develop original research hypothesis and
proposals for their master's thesis, to develop research skills and get practically involved in
research projects carried out by research groups. Organisation process of MA students research
20
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
practice is the same as for supervised internship/practice of the 4th year Bachelor's students (see
Section 3.2.3). More information on research practices/internships of 2nd year students in
2012/2013 academic year is attached in Appendix A 4.1.
5. Outcomes assessment
5.1 Competence-based approach: progress monitoring
According to the international guidance on self-assessment (particularly, the Program
learning outcomes matrix), the Faculty of Sociology has monitored the compliance of
programmes and learning outcomes, identified in the course programmes, to the requirements
and competency standards set forth by the HSE education standards (final education programme
outcomes). For this purpose, the Faculty of Sociology sub-departments have reviewed, corrected
and amended their course programmes (see http://www.hse.ru/org/hse/ums/documents_sociology).
To ensure substantial peer review, guidance and assistance to faculty staff and subdepartments, a Professional Panel on Sociology was established in 2012 within the HSE
Teaching Methodology Council.
This professional panel's responsibilities involve the following:
 monitoring and analysis of acute issues in methodology and teaching faced by
specialized departments, units and course programmes, as well as related teaching
issues in this field within other HSE courses and education departments;
 assessing the conformity of newly established education programmes/courses to
the established professional level in this field;
 cross-department coordination and monitoring of course programme
implementation, in order to avoid repetitive (duplicate) subjects, and to develop
recommendations on course improvements if duplicate subjects are identified.
 reviewing newly-established course programmes in the relevant fields
administered by both specialised and non-specialised departments, as well as
other programmes developed by teachers who are not staff faculty members
within the departments specializing in this field;
 quality monitoring and sampling control of course programmes, teaching
methodology material and its application in the teaching process.
Please see Appendix A.5.1 for a List of Members of the Professional Panel on Sociology
within the HSE Teaching Methodology Council.
Proceedings of the Professional Panel meetings are available from the web page:
http://www.hse.ru/org/hse/ums/documents_sociology
As of 01.07.2013, all study plans of education programmes in the field of “Sociology” at
the HSE Faculty of Sociology are approved and publicly available in electronic formats through
the university web site, education course database.
21
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
One of the Faculty's structural units, the Centre for Education Development in Social
Sciences (http://www.hse.ru/org/hse/socedu/), actively promotes competency-based approaches in
education. It works on methodology-related issues to develop a shared understanding of the
contents of competencies, and to improve methodology skills of the faculty staff (through
counseling, retreat sessions etc.).
See Appendix A 5.2. for the Monitoring Plan of Education Programme Outcomes
Assessment (more details on methodology of programmes self-assessment can be found in
Section 3.3).
In assessing education programme outcomes, it is important to highlight the role of the
General Education disciplines (in Russia, these involve HSEd/Humanities, Social & Economic
Disciplines, and NSd/Natural Sciences Disciplines) in education of professionals in all fields,
and most of all sociologists. For social scientists, GenEd disciplines can be more important than
for many other professionals, as they have to be able to work on a wide range of topics and in
different social contexts. The role of general education courses for Sociology graduates:
First, general education courses (GenEd), like any other education activity, help develop
learning capabilities and willingness to learn, in a wide range of selected disciplines.
Second, general education courses (GenEd) help develop core competencies. Higher
education is about the level of thinking and self-identity. General education courses influence
this level more than many other courses, building up an integrated platform of student's
perceptions of the world and his role in the world (i.e., civic position).
Third, it is impossible to predict what part of education — the knowledge, the skills, the
template, the methodology — our post-graduate student would use most of all in his future
professional career, and what part of the general courses he would find most useful. To a great
extent, this will depend on the student's individual cognitive abilities and professional
preferences.
In the HSE Bachelor's education programme, students have an opportunity to choose
“minors” from other related education fields, which enables in-depth basic studies on the general
course level in the fields such as Philosophy, Psychology, Law and Social History.
Studying the basic module of economics disciplines is among the key institutional goals
of the university Higher School of Economics.
A sample list of General Education disciplines, basic module (Bachelor's programme)
Basic component
Russian language and culture of written communication
Foreign language (English)
Logic
22
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Psychology
Philosophy
Living safety
Economic disciplines module
History of Economic Thought
Economic theory (microeconomics)
Economic theory (macroeconomics)
Institutional Economics
Variable component
Minor programmes (1 of 4)
Philosophy
Foreign Philosophy
Social Philosophy
Psychology
Social Psychology
Personality Psychology
Law
Legal Theory
Civil Law
Social History
Modern Social History of Times
Contemporary Social History
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Basic component
Algebra and Analysis
Application Software
Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics
Table 5.1
General education requirements
GURDISCIPLINE DESCRIPTION NUMBER OF
GENERAL EDUCATION
DESCRIPTION
CREDITDISCIPLINE
HOURS
Russian language and culture
Professional communication skills,
3 credit-hours
of written communication
ability to describe clearly the results of
professional activities (work, research,
reports, correspondence...)
(Ability to communicate efficiently is
essential for well-educated people. All
students must achieve a good level of
spoken and written Russian language)
English language
23
Professional communication skills,
international communication,
availability of information in English
for professional purposes. (Ability to
communicate efficiently is essential for
well-educated people. All students must
20 credit-hours
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Logic
Psychology
Philosophy
Living safety
achieve a good level of spoken and
written English language)
Logical thinking skills developed.
Understanding of cause & effects of
social phenomena. Ability to develop
logical research framework and present
written works (reports, research papers,
dissertations etc.) in a logic way
Professional communication skills.
Ability to understand and explain social
phenomena and behaviours in
accordance with the rules and
knowledge of psychology.
Professional communication skills.
Ability to understand and explain social
phenomena and behaviours in view of
the historical humanity experience.
Ability and skills to act properly in
emergency situations (including in field
research) in accordance with the
acquired knowledge and competencies.
3 credit-hours
5,5 credit-hours
6 credit-hours
0,5 credit-hours
DITS
5.2. Regulations on Knowledge Quality Control in the HSE
The monitoring of student knowledge/performance at the University comprises the routine,
intermediate, and final knowledge monitoring/assessment. The routine control is carried out in
the course of studies and independent work of students, to ensure systematic monitoring of their
academic knowledge and achievements. The final knowledge assessment is held upon
completion of every academic course/discipline in order to evaluate its overall outcomes. A final,
end-of-course monitoring event is held primarily in written form as a pass-fail exam or test.
The intermediate knowledge monitoring/control aims to evaluate intermediate education
outcomes, and it is carried out before the end of study period, in the course of the module or
semester/term. The routine monitoring/control can be held in the following formats: homework
assignments, tests, papers, essays, colloquiums, laboratory works, and other forms of knowledge
assessment. It should be noted that all monitoring and assessment procedures are strictly
regulated by institutional rules and enactments, with all processes and contents described in
details
in
the
document
HSE
Regulations
for
Knowledge
Control
(http://www.hse.ru/docs/35010753.html).
A list of the knowledge routine monitoring/control forms and procedures, tools and
methods, evaluation criteria for particular forms of routine knowledge monitoring, formulae to
calculate the student’s summarizing/aggregated grades, description of the evaluation system in
use and the rules of weighted sum rounding-off are specified in the academic discipline
programme, which must be used by faculty staff for course development. The following 2012
Template of the Academic Discipline Programme ( Шаблон программы учебной дисциплины
24
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
2012 (электронный шаблон) is available to all faculty staff from the university web page:
http://www.hse.ru/studyspravka/programmauchdisc.
5.3. Forms of Monitoring/Control, and Assessment Rules and Regulations
5.3.1. Routine monitoring/control
Information on and methodology of routine monitoring/control are described in teachers'
course programmes in compliance with the forms and methods set forth in the Regulations for
Knowledge Control (see document above).
In the course programme, its author/faculty member specifies the assessment criteria and
evaluation forms, calculation methods and weights applied to calculate the score grade for each
monitoring and education activity. A sample form and calculation formulas can be found in the
Handbook on Teaching Process, page on teaching methodology management
http://www.hse.ru/studyspravka/programmauchdisc. (
Формулы оценивания в ПУД (by
A. V. Serova).
As an example of these regulations, please see samples of MA course education
programmes (a sample BA programme study plan can be found in Appendix 5).
EXAMPLE: A PROGRAMME STUDY PLAN COMPONENT
Individual Interview Method (http://www.hse.ru/edu/courses/54589369.html)
Academic year: 2012/2013
Author: Olga B. Savinskaya (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/205097)
Teacher/lecturer: Olga B. Savinskaya (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/205097)
Location: Faculty of Sociology (http://soc.hse.ru/)
Field: 040100.68 Sociology
Study programme: Applied Methods of Social Analysis of Markets
Period: 1st year, module 2
Course programme: Метод индив интервью_маг_соц_1 курс_Савинская.doc(author's version)
6.2. Assessment Rules and Regulations for Discipline Performance
Structure of the end-of-course grade:
 course attendance — 10%
 classroom work: answering questions, making presentations, working in groups and
volunteering to present group results, taking part in the case study simulation assignment
(student choose a role to play within a group case study and works on a written
assignment to implement his role) — 50%
 interview transcribing and writing a 5 page essay based on the interview experience —
20%
 written test/pass-fail exam — 20%.
Student independent work is assessed and score grades are recorded in the grade
book/worksheet. A summarising/aggregated score grade (on a 10-point scale) for self-study
performance is produced prior to the intermediate or final knowledge assessment.
The formula to calculate an aggregated student performance grade using the grades received in
the process of routing monitoring is as follows:
25
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Gagr= 0,1* Gattendance + 0,3* Gclassroom+homework + 0,4* Gtranscript+essay + 0,2* Gtest
Students are penalized (score decreased by 1 score point) for the following:
 For not showing up to class for their own work scheduled presentation;
 For negligence in playing their role in the case study simulation assignment that affects
the project implementation;
 For late work on the case study simulation assignment, and for a failure to inform their
team in case of any problems that can prevent them from fulfilling the assignment.
Research Methodology and Methods in Sociology: Contemporary Methods of Sociological Data
Analysis.
Academic year: 2012/2013
Status: Compulsory course
Author: Mark A. Shaphir (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/506080)
Teacher/lecturer: Mark A. Shaphir (http://www.hse.ru/org/persons/506080)
Administering unit: Sub-department of Sociological information collection and analysis methods
(http://soc.hse.ru/socinf/), Faculty of Sociology (http://soc.hse.ru/
Location: Faculty of Sociology (http://soc.hse.ru/)
Language: Russian
Level: Master's programme
Field: 040100.68 Sociology
Period: 1 year, 2, 3 модуль
ECTS-credits: 6
Course programme: Шафир - Современные методы анализа данных ред..doc(Approved by the
Faculty of Sociology Academic Council on November 1, 2011)
Formats of student performance/knowledge monitoring
One of the key course components is its multi-stage evaluation system: 60% of the course
grade is based on 20 home assignments and 20 test assignments, which students receive after
every lecture (see below). Regular monitoring system involves an in-depth five-scale review of
students work by the teacher, a comprehensive average grade, and teacher's written feedback to
students on every academic assignment.
Homework assignments focus on practical application of skills acquired in classroom
with SPSS and other software, and they are to be fulfilled in the format of analytical reports on
individual datasets/databases. Homework assignments and test assessments are based on the
clearly structured lecture material. The course author develops and provides to students a
PowerPoint presentation for every lecture, that outlines all necessary information on a studied
method, and also provides background literature and additional reading.
An important feature of the course is a range of opportunities for student feedback to the
course author. Students are encouraged to ask questions during lectures and communicate with
the author via email; homework and test assignments are reviewed and discussed without delay.
Maximum numbers of score points that can be earned on every academic assessment is
given in the Table below:
№
26
Performance monitoring formats
Maximum
Number of
Maximum
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
1
2
3
On-going homework assignments after
each lesson (to de done within 1 week)
On-going knowledge checks/test
assignments in class, at the beginning
of each lecture
Interim test assignments in computer
lab at the end of each series of lectures
score for 1
assignment
assignments
within the
course
cumulative grade for
all assignments
10
20
200
5
20
100
20
5
100
4
Final analytical paper
100
1
100
Total:
500
Homework assignments are to be turned in on time (accepted by email). A failure to turn in a
homework assessment, regardless of the reason, results in a 0 grade. Students can use their
lecture notes, work-books and books when writing on-going and mid-term test assignments and
pass-fail exam, but they must not exceed the time limit.
At workshops, all students are required to have calculators.
10. Assessment Rules and Regulations for Discipline Performance
Final, end-of-course grade is based on the grades received for 20 on-going homework
assignments, 20 on-going knowledge checks, 5 interim test assignments, and the final analytical
paper:
Number of
Maximum
Maximum grade for
assignments
№
Performance monitoring formats
score for 1
all assignments
within the
assignment
course
On-going homework assignments
1 after each lesson (to de done within 1
10
20
200
week)
On-going knowledge checks/test
2 assignments in class, at the beginning
5
20
100
of each lecture
Interim test assignments in computer
3 lab at the end of each series of lectures
20
5
100
4
Final analytical paper
Total:
100
1
100
500
1. Final grade is based on a sum of the received assignment grades as follows:
Scores
1-50
51-100
101-150
151-200
201-250
27
Grade on a 10-point scale
1
2
3
4
5
Final grade in diploma
Unsatisfactory
Satisfactorily
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
251-300
301-350
351-400
401-450
451-500
6
7
8
9
10
Good
Excellent
Please see Attachment A5.3 for examples in performance monitoring and finalizing endof-course grade.
5.3.2. Intermediate monitoring/control. Measuring performance outcomes:
Monitoring and Measuring Material (MMM) tool kits
Many teachers use assessment tool resources for the purposes of intermediate progress
monitoring (test assignments). For compliance with innovations in education standards, and to
ensure the up-to-date level of measuring competence development outcomes, the HSE Teaching
Methodology Office ordered to develop Monitoring and Measuring Material (MMM) tool kits
for the field of Sociology.
The Monitoring and Measuring Material tool kit involved:
 Competence-based discipline mapping framework in accordance with the HSE Unified
Competencies Classifier
 Test assessments: 2 or 3 similar/parallel sets of material developed in accordance with the
common specification parameters. Monitoring format: residual knowledge check and
competence maturity assessment. Type of test: criterion-referenced test.
The content of the test assignment might comply with the requirements on completion of the
discipline study plan, in accordance with the HSE education standard, and it was designed to
assess the most significant, core content of the discipline and the level of student competencies.
Competence-oriented test assignments (COTA) aim to assess the competence-based education
outcomes. COTA can be used for the assessment of one or more competences, as well as one or
several levels (components) of their development.
All developed MMM tool kits have been peer reviewed. Positive feedback was received from
many experts in the field and teaching methodology experts. The MMM kits were developed for
the essential “core” courses, including: Methodology and Methods of Social Research (by
N.I. Daudrikh); Qualitative Methods of Sociological Research (by Yu.A. Zelikova); Economic
Sociology (by M.E. Markin), General Sociology (by N.K. Ikonnikova), Analysis of Sociological
Data (by T.E. Havenson). An experimental kit was also developed for the MA discipline
“Modern
Sociological Theory: Models and Logic of Sociological Research” (by
A.A.Kozhanov).
For other disciplines, Monitoring and Measuring tool kits are specified in the programme
documents, including the required lists of subject items, tasks and issues that are necessary for
the learning outcomes assessment. In the near future, the monitoring and measuring tool kits
would be developed in a new, competence-based format. This task currently involves the Subdepartment of Sociology faculty staff as well as and methodology experts from its Centre for
Education Development in Social Sciences (http://www.hse.ru/org/hse/socedu/).
28
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
A comprehensive and up-to-date list of educational literature, including prescribed reading, study
books and teaching methodology resources used in the course disciplines study plans is attached
in Appendix 6. Also included is the information on availability (number of volumes) of reading
resources in the library network, including required and recommended reading items.
The education and teaching methodology complex that is necessary to support education process
complies the education standards requirements existing at the HSE, it is regularly updated and is
made publicly available to students, faculty and other stakeholders.
5.3.3 Final end-of-course control. Regulations of the Final Certifying Examination (FCE)
For Bachelor's programme graduates, the final certifying assessment is held in the formats of the
graduation qualifying paper (thesis) defence and graduation exams (including the crossdisciplinary graduation exam on Sociology, and English language exam). Detailed procedures
are described in the documents “Regulations on the final certifying assessment of students
graduating from the National Research University Higher School of Economics”
(http://www.hse.ru/docs/51541339.html) and “Regulations on preparations and administration of the
graduation English language exam” (http://www.hse.ru/docs/31148353.html), which are applicable
to all university units and members.
The education content framework (for Bachelor's programmes in the field of Sociology) is
updated annually: assessment tools and materials for the cross-disciplinary and English
graduation exams are amended and approved, and bachelor thesis topics are reviewed. Final
graduation papers (theses) of the Bachelor's student can be based on summarised course papers
he has completed over the course of study, and preparations for thesis defence can be done at the
end of the theoretical course study. The final graduation papers, which are produced upon the
completion of all major tertiary programmes, are subject to peer review. Peer reviewers may
involve faculty staff as well as external experts. External reviewers are selected by Subdepartment Heads and/or Deputy Dean on Academic Issues from among other universities
faculty staff, professionals working in the field and knowledgeable experts in the fields related
to thesis themes.
Graduation exam programmes and thesis assessment criteria are subject to approval by the
Academic Council of the Faculty of Sociology.
The processes of graduation theses preparation and theses defence are governed in accordance
with the document “Regulations on graduation papers/theses of Bachelor's and Master's
programme students of the National Research University Higher School of Economics”
(http://www.hse.ru/docs/28968186.html), and the regulations on graduation theses of Master's
programme students (http://www.hse.ru/org/hse/aup/6210762/6210771/organiz_uch_wrem).
A list of themes of most recent graduation papers/theses of Bachelor's and Master's students in
Sociology from the past academic year of 2012/2013 is attached in Appendix 5.4.
6. Summarising Conclusions
29
Government of the Russian Federation
Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution for Higher Professional Education
"National Research University — Higher School of Economics"
Faculty of Sociology
Education programmes of the HSE Faculty of Sociology comply with up-to-date standards and
are able to quite successfully compete in the international market, particularly in terms of course
content and teaching methods as well as the outcomes achieved. From this point of view, the
HSE Faculty of Sociology can be recommended to international students from developed
countries as a high-quality education institution.
In the meantime, the Faculty of Sociology is aware of potential improvement areas in order to
strengthen its education programmes, which requires the following:
30

to estimate the trends in potential demand for graduates and to properly adjust education
programmes to future (not nowadays) market needs;

to promote proactive approach to monitor the quality of education process in progress,
not only education process outcomes;

to foster internationalization of education programmes;

to further increase the share of project-oriented education programmes that apply
interactive teaching and learning methods;

to maintain strong achievement culture to motivate students in academic sphere, even if
they start working in the employment market.

Research activity of the faculty staff is currently considerably high, and it also involves a
large number of students. However, a higher level of research internationalization is
critical, and the Faculty of Sociology is in a favorable position to accomplish it.