Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course is divided in three modules:
Module 1: Qualitative Methods – History and Paradigms, 1.5 ECTS credits
Module 2: Practices of Qualitative Research, 4,5 ECTS credits
Module 3: Elaboration of research paper, 1,5 ECTS credits

Module 1: Qualitative Methods – History and Paradigm
During the first part of the course the participants are introduced to the historical background
and recent developments within the broad field of qualitative research methods in the social
sciences. During this part the basis of methodology and epistemology are discussed, as well as overarching questions regarding research ethics, analysis of empirical material, portability and presentation of results.

Module 2: Practices of Qualitative Research
During the second part of the course focus will be on certain methodological specializations in
order to gain more in-depth understandings of different practices of qualitative research. These
specializations will depend on the participating lecturers who will represent different fields such
as for example etnography, narrative analysis, discourse analysis, grounded theory etc. Each specialization will
thus be presented by researchers who use them in their own work .

Module 3: Optional exercises and elaboration of research paper
The third part of the course is dedicated elaboration of an examination paper to be presented and discussed at the final seminar. Students will be required to reflect on methodological choices and/or to practice qualitative analyses in a written exercise related to one or more of the specializations that have been presented during the course.

Expected learning outcomes

To pass the course, the student should in respect of knowledge and understanding demonstrate:
- knowledge of the historical background and recent developments within the field of
qualitative research methods
- knowledge of methodological and epistemological assumptions of qualitative research
- be able to understand differences between major methodological traditions within
qualitative research
- knowledge of research ethics

To pass the course, the student should in respect of skills and ability be able to:
- apply the relevant terminology within qualitative research
- motivate and discuss the methodological choices in accordance with the appropriate methodological approaches

To pass the course, the student should in respect of assessment skills and approach be able to:
- independently evaluate different methodological approaches within qualitative
research
- independently review and assess the presentation of results in qualitative studies
- problematize the ethical dilemmas in qualitative research

Required Knowledge

Univ: Courses of the amount of 90 ECTS credits in Social Sciences (Social Work 90 ECTS, Sociology 90 ECTS, Social Policy 90 ECTS, Social Administration 90 ECTS, Social Care 90 ECTS, Education 90 ECTS, Political Science 90 ECTS, Cultural Geography 90 ECTS, Economics 90 ECTS) or equivalent eligibility.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimun total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section).

Form of instruction

The course content is delivered through lectures, seminars, and individual work. Compulsory attendence is required at the seminars. All lectures and seminars are held in English.

Examination modes

The examination includes active participation in seminars, implementation of assigned tasks for the seminars (individual or group) and an individual written examination paper. Seminar participation and implementation of assigned tasks for the seminars is assessed on whether they are Rejected or Approved. If a student misses mandatory seminars, or assigned tasks, completion of designated completing tasks requires. The individual examination paper is judged on it's Fail, Pass or Pass with Distinction. The examination paper forms the basis of the overall course grade. International students are assessed based on the ECTS scale.

The examination paper (5-10 pages) may either a) discuss and compare two or more of the different approaches presented during the course; b) describe and motivate the design of a qualitative research approach applied to the participant’s own research interest; or c) present and discuss one of the qualitative research approaches together with a practical exercise using the approach. More detailed information about the paper is provided at the introduction of the course.

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are reviewed individually. For more information, please see the University’s set of rules and academic credit transfer regulations.