UT-301 Field Work, methods and practical training

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor's Programme in Global Development Studies

Teaching language

English

Recommended prerequisites

Students should have finished the two first years of a bachelor’s programme within the social sciences including a methods course.

Course contents

The course consists of two components: One fieldwork component and one practical training component. Fieldwork component (18 ECTS): During a fieldwork period of three months, the student collects data to be used in the bachelor thesis. The fieldwork is based on the student’s research proposal elaborated at the beginning of the course. The overall purpose of the fieldwork is for the student to independently collect data according to established and accepted methodological and ethical guidelines of research. The fieldwork is also the basis of the field report handed in prior to the completion of the bachelor thesis. Guidelines and requirements for the fieldwork report are announced in Canvas. Students will conduct fieldwork in a Norwegian context on topics related to e.g. immigration, interor cross-cultural relations, migration or humanitarian organisations/non-governmental organisations working within the field of development (SDGs, environment, political economy, rights-based approaches etc). The chosen topic should be of relevance for the bachelor programme in which the student is enrolled. Practical training component: (6 ECTS) As part of the course, students will do a practical training component in a relevant organisation or workplace in Kristiansand. Through the practical training, students will get insight and experience related to the operations and work tasks in the organisation. Data collection as part of the fieldwork may be combined with the practical training.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the student should: • be able to carry out data collection and implement a research project proposal on a chosen development topic • be able to discuss how they have applied social science research methods and the strength and weaknesses of the approach and practical outcome • be able to make use of experiences and adjust and apply skills in cross-cultural communication • be able to take part in and show respect in communication and interaction in cross-cultural settings • be able to discuss and critically assess their own role and experiences as student researchers in different cultural settings • be able to relate and reflect on academic questions to real and practical situations in the work place • have knowledge about the tasks, processes and methods of the work place • be able to plan and complete varied tasks and projects and reflect upon the rationale and the impacts of the choices made

Examination requirements

Fieldwork: A minimum of two compulsory seminars (one prior and one after the fieldwork) must be attended to pass the course. Students are also required to present a research proposal to their assigned supervisor prior to the fieldwork. Further information will be announced in Canvas at the beginning of the course.

Practical training: Oral presentation of the training progress and submission of a completed record book with a daily summary of the work during the practical training.

Teaching methods

Fieldwork component: Students must attend compulsory seminars and meetings as part of the preparations for the fieldwork. Group work will be part of the preparations for the fieldwork as well as afterwards, where students both present their own projects and respond to peers. Fieldwork is conducted individually or in pairs. Supervision will be provided. The estimated workload is 405 hours. Practical training component: The practical training will have a minimum duration of 3 weeks. Students will be given tasks relevant to their academic competence and the needs of the workplace. The student and the workplace must sign an agreement before the practical training starts. Time will also be allocated to writing a report. The total estimated workload is 162 hours.

Evaluation

The course will have a midway or end-of-course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Assessment methods and criteria

Fieldwork: A field report of +/- 5000 words. A list of its criteria and requirements will be published in Canvas at the start of the semester. The field report can be done individually or in pairs and will be graded pass/fail. This report constitutes 75 % of the final exam.

Practical training: The final evaluation will be based on a report submitted by the intern after completion of the training, constituting 25 % of the final exam. The report should be +/- 1 500 words, and is graded pass/fail.

Other information

The course is offered to exchange students from partner universities.

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
UT-200 – Field Work	15