91̽»¨

The course is a freestanding methodology course that is given at first cycle level. The course can also be part of the following programmes: Bachelor's Programme in Global Studies (S1GLS), Bachelor's Programme in International Relations (S1INT), Program in Environmental Social 91̽»¨ (S1SMI), and Cultural Heritage Studies, Bachelor's Programme (H1KAS).

Entry to the course requires completed courses of 60 credits, of which 45 credits passed, in a subject at the Department of Global Studies.

The course covers scientific techniques and methodological traditions in the social sciences. In addition, the course will present, discuss and put into practice both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analytical methods common within the social sciences. The student is given the opportunity to specialize in the scientific methods that teachers and student deem as most relevant for future degree project.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• discuss the epistemological and methodological preconditions for some of the most commonly used methods and techniques in social sciences;
• explain how the choice of method facilitates/limits the conclusions that are possible to make of a study;

Competence and skills

• formulate scientific problems and questions;
• design scientific studies and choose relevant scientific methods;
• apply some of the most commonly used social science methods and techniques;

Judgement and approach

• identify and handle dilemmas in research ethics,
• Problematize one's own research role in different situations.

Teaching mainly consists of lectures, group work, seminars and student-led discussion sessions.

Examination is carried out in the form of an individual written take-home examination (research proposal PM, 8 credits), one PM seminar (1 credit) and three group works with joint written submission (2 credits each).

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University 91̽»¨ for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to internships and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The student must receive a Pass on all examinations in order to pass the course. To receive a Pass with distinction grade in the course, a passed result in all group work as well as the seminar is required, as well as with a passed with distinction result in the final written assignment (research proposal).

The course coordinator is responsible for systematically and regularly collecting the students' views of the course, and for making sure that the results of the evaluations in different forms are taken into consideration when developing the course. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.