spring 2020 REI-3014 Qualitative methods - 10 ECTS

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Type of course

This course is mandatory for the achievement of a Master of Tourism Studies degree. It is open for other students with a Bachelor's degree.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 80 ECTS within tourism, out-door recreation, event studies, marketing and communication, social sciences, humanities or education.

International applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equicalent issued in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand: An average grade C is a minimum requirement.

International applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in countries other than the above mentioned region/countries: An average grade B is a minimum requirement in addition to fulfilling formal admission requirements for Master's level entry.

Non-EU applicants need to have a Higher Education Entrance Qualification from their home countries and certified fulfilment of English language requirements.

Application code: 9731 (nordic applicants)


Course content

The aim of this course is to provide students with insights into qualitative research methods. Students will be trained in defining research problems, designing a research-project, conducting interviews/fieldworks as well as how to reflect upo methodological questions involved in qualitative research. The course depends upon and will be partly integrated with REI-3001 Philosophy of Social Sciences.

Objectives of the course

Students should obtain the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge: the student should have

  • an in-depth knowledge of key theoretical debates regarding various methods and methodologies in tourism studies research
  • a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations of qualitative tourism research projects
  • specialized knowledge on how to define and conduct a qualitative tourism research project as well as the presentation of findings in a written form
  • an in-depth knowledge of the ethical aspects of tourism studies-related research processes

Skills: the student should be able to

  • critically reflect on the interdependency between theories and methodologies
  • perform and discuss qualitative methods in critical ways
  • complete a limited, individual research project under supervision and according to ethical standards

Competence: the student should be able to

  • convey in-depth understanding of methodological considerrations in tourism studies
  • contribute to innovations in tourism research design
  • critically reflect on tourism studies-related project design


Language of instruction and examination

English  

Teaching methods

Lectures will be given in an intensive mode (classes given in blocks) in spring semester only. The students are expected to work 280 hours.

Teaching will consist of eight lectures (3x45 minutes), which include student involvement in classroom discussions, role-plays, methodological exercises and group as well as individual tasks.


Assessment

Coursework: the following coursework requirements must be completed and approved in order to take the final exam:

  • a portfolio of one home assignment
  • 70% attendance in the lectures

Assessment and exam: the exam will consist of

  • a home exam paper
    • length requirement: between 2800 and 3100 words, excluding the list of references
    • style: Times New Roman font size 12, 1.5 line spacing, 3,5 centimetres margins, and the inclusion of page numbers.

The exam will be assessed on an A-F grade scale. Grades A-E for passed and F for failed.

A re-sit exam will be arranged for this course.

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  • About the course
  • Campus: Alta |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: REI-3014