ME-413 Methods
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leaders:
-
- Margit Ystanes
- Arnhild Leer-Helgesen
- 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
-
have thorough knowledge about the different paradigms underlying the different research approaches, qualitative as well as quantitative, in social sciences research
-
have in-depth knowledge on how to generate an appropriate research topic and write a cogent research statement
-
be able to critically assess and discuss research proposals
-
have thorough knowledge about qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods used in social sciences and be able to apply these methods in independent projects
-
be able to apply theoretical insights to practical case studies and field work
Examination requirements
Individual participation in group discussions (approved/not approved).
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 person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.
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 |