SVF-3025 | UiT

Type of course

The course is an elective i.e. open to MPCT programme and non-MPCT programme students. It is highly recommended for MPCT programme students.

Course content

The course is designed to acquaint students with key concepts and skills in relation to research design and methodological approaches, in addition to contributing to an understanding of theoretical, ethical, safety and practical issues surrounding research planning, data collection and analysis, and report writing.

Objectives of the course

Students who have successfully completed the course should have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

Have an understanding of the aims, principles and practice of social research
Have an understanding of the philosophical debates underlying research methods in the social sciences
Have an understanding of the interplay between methods (techniques of evidence gathering) and methodology (the theory and analysis of how research should proceed)

Analytical understanding:

Have the ability and confidence to determine the contexts within which to use social research methods
Have a grasp of the key components of a research proposal and the related methods for data collection and analysis
Have the ability to sort out the practicalities involved in planning research on sensitive issues and doing fieldwork overseas

Skills and competences:

Capable of applying basic research tools to design a master's project that involves data collection
Capable of presenting and analysing field data, as well as writing a research report or thesis
Capable of managing the ethical and security issues associated in field settings or with field work
Capable of taking responsibility for one's own learning by working independently towards the realisation of the course objectives

Language of instruction and examination

All lectures, discussions, readings, assignments and the final exam shall be in English.

Teaching methods

A mix of lectures and seminars according to a detailed plan.

The learning outcomes can only be achieved through active student participation. Students are thus expected to read and prepare before every lecture and/or seminar session.

The course is to be evaluated by the SSL forum each semester the course is offered as well as in an anonymous online evaluation every second time the course is offered.

Assessment

Candidates will write an essay of 4000 words within a week on a set of given topics.

Grading will be on the scale of A to F, where F=Fail.

The course is open for re-sit in examination in the following semester.

spring 2012 SVF-3025 Methods in social research: An interdisciplinary approach - 10 ECTS