Course Coordinator

Coordinator Name: Dr George Kokkinidis
Email: georgios.kokkinidis@cut.ac.cy
Office: Room 317, 3rd Floor, School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship Building, Paphos
Office Hours: Monday 12:00–13:00 & Wednesday 10:00–12:00

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Seminar Series I course is designed as a flexible, research-oriented learning space that supports students in developing a strong foundation in engaging with academic literature, research methodologies, and emerging analytical approaches in management and the social sciences. Delivered through intensive seminar sessions, the course emphasizes critical reading, analytical thinking, methodological reflexivity, and the development of core academic research competencies. The course strengthens students’ ability to systematically identify, evaluate, interpret, and synthesize academic research across qualitative, quantitative, and interdisciplinary traditions, while introducing key principles of academic inquiry, including the critical evaluation of scholarly sources, theoretical frameworks, and empirical contributions.

Particular emphasis is placed on contemporary and innovative research approaches, including text analysis alongside the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and its ethical implications. The course also familiarizes students with conducting Systematic Literature Reviews (SLRs), understanding the role of theory in quantitative and qualitative research papers, and engaging with creative and visual methods such as arts-based methodologies and photo-elicitation techniques.

Overall, the course is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, methodological awareness, critical engagement with research, and reflective academic practice, preparing students for advanced research activities throughout their doctoral studies.

COURSE AIMS

 
The aim of this course is to develop students’ research literacy, critical analytical abilities, and methodological awareness through engagement with contemporary research approaches and academic scholarship. Through this course, students will have the opportunity to:

• develop and strengthen their ability to critically engage with academic literature across diverse research traditions.
• enhance their skills in identifying, evaluating, synthesizing, and interpreting scholarly evidence.
• develop an understanding of qualitative, quantitative, and interdisciplinary research methodologies.
• critically evaluate the use of Artificial Intelligence and emerging digital tools within academic research.
• gain practical knowledge of systematic literature review methods and evidence synthesis.
• develop an understanding of the role of theory in research design, analysis, and knowledge generation.
• explore innovative and creative research approaches, including arts-based and visual methodologies.
• strengthen their academic writing, critical reflection, and independent research capabilities.
• develop ethical awareness regarding research practices, data analysis, and the use of digital technologies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Successful completion of the course will enable students to achieve the following outcomes:

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching methods include:

• Interactive seminar sessions
• Group discussions & activities
• Use of visual materials
• Interactive exercises

ASSESSMENT

The grading system is numerical, ranging from 0 to 10 in increments of 0.5. The minimum passing grade is 5.

Portfolio Activity

Students are required to submit a reflective portfolio consisting of one reflection piece (500 words) for each seminar session. Reflections should demonstrate critical engagement with the session content, key concepts, methodological debates, and personal learning development.

Students are encouraged to connect their reflective piece with their own research project.

The completed portfolio will provide evidence of the student's development of research literacy, methodological understanding, and reflective academic practice throughout the course.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY

Readings and resources for each seminar session will be made available through Moodle and supplementary teaching materials. Students will be expected to engage extensively with academic journal articles and methodological resources prior to each seminar session.