ME-413 Research Methods in Development Studies
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Christian Webersik
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master's Programme in Global Development, Crisis and Change
- Master's Programme in Samfunnsplanlegging, sted og prosess
- Master's Programme in Global Development and Planning
Teaching language
EnglishCourse contents
The aim of the course is to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and conduct a research study and ultimately write a master’s thesis. The specific goal is to train the student in research design, research methods, and the process of doing research. The students will develop an attitude as a critical researcher and practitioner, being able to make the appropriate choices in research methods and understand the implications of trade-offs that characterize every research project.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course the students should:
-
be able to distinguish between the different paradigms underlying the different research approaches, qualitative as well as quantitative, in social sciences research
-
have knowledge on how to generate an appropriate research topic and write a cogent research statement
-
be able to assess and discuss research proposals
-
be able to apply the various research approaches used in social sciences: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
-
be able to apply theoretical insights to practical case studies and field work
Teaching methods
Netbased teaching through Canvas and campus-based teaching. The campus-based teachings will be streamed. Estimated workload is 27 hours per credit.
Evaluation
The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted in Canvas.
Assessment methods and criteria
Portfolio assessment including hand-ins, activities and contributions during the course. A study guide and calendar will provide more detailed information at the beginning of the semester. The grades A-F are used (ECTS grading scale).
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| ME-409 – Research Methods in Development Studies | 7.5 |