Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LU0090 The Context and Process of Research II: Theories and Methods, 7.5 Credits

Forskningsprocessens kontext och process II: teorier och metoder

Subjects

Environmental Science Rural Development

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0201

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Equivalent to 120 credits within social, natural sciences or the humanities, of which 90 credits within a particular major. Basic scientific understanding of social science theory and its interconnection to the research process.

Knowledge equivalent to English B from upper secondary school, English 550 or higher TOEFL or English 5,5 or higher IELTS.

Objectives

The aim of this course is to equip students with a deepened understanding of the theoretical and methodological context of the social sciences research process, in order to undertake studies on rural development and environmental communication issues, as well as on social science issues at large. The focus is both on knowledge of social science theory and on its practical use; both in the students’ own research and in their analysis of others’ scientific research.

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• understand and analyze the rationale of the main schools of social science theory and account for their interconnection with distinct research methods

• understand and draw on relevant social science theories in the design of the research project and selection of interlinked research methods

• identify, discuss and analyze relevant methodological issues in relation to a specific research problem and decide which research methods that ought to be used, in order to answer the questions that the problem poses

• assess scientific texts so as to identify and critically analyze the explicit and/or implicit theories, which permeates the selection and application of research methods, including participant observation and different forms of interviews, action research, the construction of questionnaires, the use of basic statistical methods, and analysis of sources and discourses

• demonstrate in written and oral form thorough knowledge of the use of different research methods so as to establish relevant empirical material in relation to the analysis of specific research questions

• evaluate and reflect on strengths and weaknesses of different research methods and the researcher’s own position within the research

• make assessments of ethical dilemmas and actual practices in concrete research projects and methods, within the disciplines of rural development and environmental communication, as well as social research at large.

Content

The course comprises lectures, individual and group assignments, that are discussed and critiqued during seminars.

This course constitutes a continuation of the course ‘The Context and Process of Research I: Theories and Methods. The intention of the course is to enable the students to design research projects and select relevant research methods, in full awareness of their theoretical methodological preconditions and implications.

The course offers students a deepened knowledge of the theoretical framework of social sciences and qualitative and quantitative research methods. During the course the students will continue to work on their individual research projects; formulating and refining a research problem, selecting and analyzing adequate methods, in relation to the problem, while describing and analyzing their theoretical methodological preconditions and implications in both written and oral form. Furthermore, the course also offers a deepened understanding of the contexts and perspectives of distinct methods for data collection and analysis, with a main focus on qualitative methods, as well as the ethical dilemmas of research.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

For successful completion of the course the student must participate in compulsory sessions and give in a portfolio that comprise approved exam and assignments.

The final exam which also determines the grade of the course consists of a home exam

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The admission requirement of basic scientific understanding of social science theory and its interconnection to the research process can be fulfilled by the course ‘The Context and Process of Research I: Theories and Methods’, 7,5 credits.

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development