GLOBE4100 – Research Methods and Project Design
Course description
Course content
This course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the interdisciplinary research process.
How might we best interview people to elicit the richest information? What are the benefits of participating in and observing people’s actual activities? What can we learn from documents? How do the questions we ask in our research align with the methods we use to answer them?
When we employ all these different methodologies, what sorts of assumptions do we have about how the social world is made up and how to know about it? What responsibilities do we have to ensure that our research is not causing harm to people or non-human animals? These are some of the questions which will be addressed in this course.
The course uses SUM’s core research interests as a point of departure for students to practically immerse themselves in the process of doing research. Each week, students will learn about a different aspect of research or a different methodology. Students will learn from experts from SUM, will work in groups in practical assignments, and will have many chances to present and discuss their reflections on the research process.
Active participation in all course activities is expected of students.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, the students will:
Knowledge
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Have acquired insight in different research traditions and epistemologies
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Have realized a deeper understanding of how research as a process is conducted
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Be able to apply and evaluate methodological concepts and techniques at an advanced level
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Be able to identify and discuss the challenges and dilemmas involved in applying methods in concrete, practical contexts
Skills
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Have command over a broad spectrum of perspectives within different research traditions
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Be able to apply a critical perspective regarding how methods are used in research
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Be able to summarize, present, and independently reflect on methods and research
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Be able to collaborate with other students in class
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Be able to criticise and comment on the work of fellow students in a respectful, reflected, and constructive manner.
General knowledge
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Have developed a deep understanding and respect for the academic way of thinking
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Have developed academic curiosity and respect for academic and ethical values
Admission
This course is only for students who are enrolled in the Master's Programme Development, Environment and Cultural Change (DECC).
Overlapping courses
- 15 credits overlap with SUM4100 – Research Methods and Project Design (continued)
- 10 credits overlap with SUM4011A – Research Methods (I)
- 10 credits overlap with SUM4011B – Research Methods (II)
Teaching
An average of three sessions (lectures or seminars) per week. We expect students to attend all sessions. This is how you apply for a valid absence from compulsory activities/compulsory attendance: /english/studies/examinations/compulsory-activities/hf-oblig.html
Examination
A portfolio, graded pass/fail, consisting of:
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6 reflection pieces (each 1-2 pages). These will be submitted each week, and cover the week’s topic, including:
1. Literature review;
2. Documents;
3. Interviewing;
4. Multi-sited fieldwork.
5. Participant-observation; and,
6. Participatory Action Research -
An overview of proposed thesis topic (2-3 pages). This will be submitted at the end of the course.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
You will get an explanation of your grade in Inspera.
Appeal
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.