(PhD) Research

Dear PhD Cohort 6 Students,

We are excited to inform you about the structure for the upcoming Philosophy of Research segment of your program. This critical component will be delivered by three distinguished lecturers, each specializing in key areas to provide you with a comprehensive and expert-guided learning experience.

Lecturers and Their Specializations:

• Mr. Galinnya Stephanus (sgalinnya@ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug)  0704557413- Citation methods and ethics in scholarly writing/ library Orientation- E-Learning and library

• Dr. Geoffrey Mutumba gmutumba@ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug  0752566591

  - Philosophical frameworks within which research is conducted

  - Philosophical foundation

  - Philosophical assumptions

Prof. Martha Kibukamusoke   mkibukamusoke@ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug 0756153391

- Conceptualization of a research problem  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNgPbPM2tW8

- Title, Variables and objectives

This collaborative approach ensures that you receive in-depth insights from experts in their respective fields, enriching your understanding of research philosophy.

We look forward to engaging discussions and a robust exploration of research philosophy with all of you. Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Course Title: Advanced Critical Thinking 

Credit Hours: 3

Course Description:
This advanced seminar is designed to cultivate and refine critical thinking skills essential for doctoral-level research and academic inquiry. The course explores the theoretical foundations of critical thinking, including logic, argumentation, and reasoning, while emphasizing their practical application in interdisciplinary research contexts. Students will engage with complex problems, evaluate evidence, and construct well-reasoned arguments, with a focus on identifying biases, fallacies, and assumptions that may undermine scholarly work.

Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will analyze and critique academic texts, research methodologies, and theoretical frameworks. The course also addresses the role of critical thinking in ethical decision-making, peer review, and the dissemination of knowledge. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to approach their own research with greater intellectual rigor, creativity, and clarity, contributing to the advancement of their respective fields.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop advanced skills in analyzing, evaluating, and constructing arguments.

2. Identify and address logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and unstated assumptions in academic work.

3. Apply critical thinking to interdisciplinary research problems and ethical dilemmas.

4. Enhance the ability to critique and synthesize complex ideas from diverse sources.

5. Foster intellectual humility, open-mindedness, and a commitment to evidence-based reasoning.

Recommended Texts:

• Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life by Richard Paul and Linda Elder

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

• The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan

• Selected journal articles and case studies

Instructor: Dr. Christopher Samuel Mayanja 

Contact Information: dcv-aa@ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug

This course is ideal for PhD students across disciplines who seek to strengthen their ability to think critically, engage with complex ideas, and produce rigorous, impactful research.

Course Title: Criticality in Writing

Course Code: ENG 801
Level: PhD
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD program or permission of the instructor

Course Description:
This advanced seminar explores the concept of criticality as a foundational element of academic and creative writing. The course is designed for PhD students across disciplines and interrogates how critical thinking, analysis, and reflection are articulated through written discourse. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks from critical theory, rhetoric, and composition studies to examine the role of criticality in constructing knowledge, challenging assumptions, and advancing scholarly arguments.

The course emphasizes the development of a critical voice, the ethical dimensions of writing, and the interplay between form and content in academic and public-facing texts. Through close reading, writing workshops, and collaborative peer review, students will refine their ability to produce rigorous, innovative, and impactful written work. Topics include the politics of citation, the role of intertextuality, the ethics of representation, and the relationship between criticality.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will:

1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of criticality as a theoretical and practical framework for writing.

2. Analyze and critique the role of criticality in diverse genres of academic and public writing.

3. Develop a refined critical voice that integrates theoretical insights with disciplinary expertise.

4. Produce original written work that exemplifies advanced critical engagement with complex ideas.

5. Engage in constructive peer review and collaborative dialogue to strengthen writing practices.

Course Format:
The course will be conducted as a seminar, combining lectures, discussions, and workshops. Students will be expected to actively participate in class discussions, lead presentations, and submit regular writing assignments, including a final research paper or project that demonstrates their mastery of criticality in writing.

Instructor: Dr. Mutumba Geoffrey Ssebabi
Office Hours:  9:00-12:00 PM
Contact: gmutumba@ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug

This course is ideal for PhD students seeking to deepen their understanding of the theoretical and practical dimensions of writing, particularly those interested in interdisciplinary approaches to critical inquiry and scholarly communication.

Carefully read the application instructions