News

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The African Doctoral Academy’s Winter School in Social Science Research Methods was attended by 91 delegates from 13 countries. This Winter School’s focus was on the methodological preparation of PhD proposals which was presented by Prof Johann Mouton, director of the ADA at Stellenbosch University (SU). The course attracted a record number of 33 participants.

91 delegates from 13 countries attended the ADA’s Winter School this year. Photo: Anton Jordaan

Other courses included: Interview techniques and analyses, presented by international expert Prof Max Bergman from the University of Basel. Dr Susanne Friese from Qualitative Research and Consulting (QUARC) in Germany presented an advanced Atlas.ti course, which was a first on the African continent. The introductory Atlas.ti course was presented by Prof Brigitte Smit from UNISA, who is a certified Atlas.ti trainer. Stellenbosch University staff that participated as presenters included: Dr Cindy Lee Steenekamp from the Graduate School, Mr Nelius Boshoff from CREST (both presenting SPSS courses) and Mr Jan Vorster from the Department of Sociology (presenting a course on Survey Methods and Sampling). Due to the high demand, Prof Mouton also presented a course on Epistemological Approaches to the Social Sciences.

Many of the delegates returned for the second or third time to attend ADA courses this year.

The ADA has now moved to its new premises on the 4th floor in the newly renovated Wilcocks building. The upcoming Summer School in Social Science Research Methodology will take place 14-25 January 2013 and a number of new courses are planned. Courses are aimed at current and prospective PhD students, but are open to anyone holding a Master’s degree. Enquiries can be directed to mrust@sun.ac.za or 021 8083394.