Qualitative Methods in Social Science, 7.5 credits
Contents
This course will provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to engage with qualitative and interdisciplinary methods in the social sciences and an ability to problematize the methodological parts of the research process. It also deals with critical perspectives on research ethics in qualitative research. The course will provide students with experience and knowledge on how to apply and problematize qualitative research methods. Active participation by students in seminars is vital to complete course. The course is taught in English.
Expected learning outcomes
**By the end of the course the student shall have the ability to: **
Knowledge and understanding
- A comprehensive understanding of the key stages of the qualitative research process and the ability to explain their interconnections.
- Familiarity with different qualitative scientific methods and the ability to critically assess their application in different research contexts.
- An informed understanding of research ethics, including the ability to problematize ethical principles and their relevance to academic inquiry.
Skills and abilities
- Demonstrate skills and abilities in terms of collecting and analyzing qualitative empirical data
- Argue for methodological choices.
Judgement and approach
- Independently reflect on their own role in the research process,
- Independently identify and evaluate research ethical problems, as well as argue for their own research ethical positions.
Required Knowledge
To be admitted to the course applicants must have completed three semesters of full-time studies, equivalent to 90 ECTS, of which at least 15 ECTS must be an independent project or four semesters of full-time studies equivalent to 120 ECTS.Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
The course is a full-time on-line course in English. The course is taught entirely through an electronic Learning Management System where the student takes part in lectures, mandatory assignments and other learning activities. The studies are characterized by a high degree of independent and active search for knowledge, and critical reflection, both individually and in groups.
Examination modes
Examination takes place through fulfilment of two parts:
- Seminars and mandatory assignments during the course
- Individual written assignment.
Written assignments may be followed up with an oral review.
For part 1 the grades are Fail (U) or Pass (G). For part 2, as well as for the whole course, the grades are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade for the whole course in based on the examination of part 2. In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course, it is necessary that all examinations and all compulsory teaching sessions have been passed. A re- examination can be offered at the earliest ten days and at the latest three months after publishing information about the first examination. One more examination will be offered within the next year. A student who has passed the examination is not eligible for a new examination to raise grades. The option of a re-examination based on the original course syllabus will be available for at least two years after a student registered for the course. All in all, a student is given five chances of fulfilling the course examination. A student has the right to change examiner after failing two examinations for a course module, unless there are strong arguments against this.
Literature
Valid from: 2026-08-31
Feminist ethnographies
: methodological reflections in gender research
Berg Linda
Umeå :
Umeå Centre for Gender Studies, Umeå University :
[2023] :
143 sidor :
LIBRIS ID: 6r53dmzh411677l3
ISBN: 9789180701167
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue
Reading instructions: pp. 10-42
https://search.ub.umu.se/permalink/46UMEA_INST/1joajda/alma9922373399604996
"Using thematic analysis in psychology" Qualitative research in psychology 3, no. 2 (2006)
Braun Virginia, Clarke Victoria
Mandatory
Reading instructions: p. 77-101
Reflexive ethnography
: a guide to researching selves and others
Davies Charlotte Aull
2nd ed. :
London :
Routledge :
2008 :
PDF (x, 310 s.) :
LIBRIS ID: 14857991
ISBN: 9780203822272
ISBN: 0203822277
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue
Reading instructions: p. 77-104
The Reflexive Interview and a Performative Social Science
Denzin Norman K
Mandatory
Reading instructions: p.23-46
Ethics, reflexivity, and “ethically important moments” in research."
Guillemin M, Gillam L
2004 :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: Qualitative inquiry, 10(2)
p.261-280
Discourse
Howarth David R.
Buckingham [England] :
Open University Press :
2000. :
x, 166 p. :
LIBRIS ID: 13507536
Mandatory
Reading instructions: Introduction, p.1-15, Chapter 6, p. 101-
The Impossibility of Society, New Reflections on the Revolution of our Time
Laclau E
Verso :
1990 :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: Pp 89-92
Feminist studies
: a guide to intersectional theory, methodology and writing
Lykke Nina
London :
Routledge :
2010 :
xvi, 241 p. :
ISBN: 020385277X
LIBRIS ID: 12100761
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue
Twelve tips for conducting qualitative research interviews
McGrath C, Palmgren P.J, Liljedahl M
Mandatory
Reading instructions: Pp. 1002–1006
Meaning from Methods: Re-presenting Narratives of an HIV-affected Caregiver Qualitative social work
Pointdexter Cynthia Cannon
2002 :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: p. 59–78
Inside interviewing: New lenses, new concerns
Riessman C.K
2003 :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: Pp.331-346
Post qualitative inquiry in an ontology of immanence
St. Pierre E.A
2019 :
Mandatory
Reading instructions: Pp. 3-16
Good Research Practice
Vetenskapsrådet :
2024 :
Mandatory
Discourse Analysis as Theory and Method
Phillips Louise, Jørgensen Marianne
Sage Publications :
2002 :
LIBRIS ID: 14503176
Mandatory
Reading instructions: (Chapter 1 & 2). pp. 1-23 pp. 24-59
Successful qualitative research
: a practical guide for beginners
Braun Virginia, Clarke Victoria
Los Angeles :
SAGE :
2013 :
1 online resource (xii, 382 pages) :
LIBRIS ID: 9wtfdzf97vzsmj17
ISBN: 9781847875815(PRINT)
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue
Reference literature
Hegemony & socialist strategy
Laclau Ernesto, Mouffe Chantal
London :
Verso :
1985 :
197 s. :
LIBRIS ID: 6147110
ISBN: 0860910679
ISBN: 086091769X
Search the University Library catalogue
Reading instructions: In particular: Preface, Introduction and Chapter 3
The Sage encyclopedia of social science research methods
Lewis-Beck Michael S., Bryman Alan, Liao Tim Futing
Thousand Oaks, Calif. :
Sage :
2004 :
xxi, s. 413-886, 57 s. :
LIBRIS ID: 9344138
ISBN: 0761923632
Search the University Library catalogue
Reading instructions: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589.n333
Feminist Research Ethics, Informed Consent, and Potential Harms
McCormick M
2012 :
Reading instructions: The Hilltop Review, 6 (1):5
Feminist research in online spaces
Morrow O, Hawkins R, Kern L
2015 :
Reading instructions: Pp. 526-543
Feminist research ethics
Preissle , Han
Included in:
Handbook of Feminist Research: Theory and Praxis (Second Edition)
SAGE Publications, Inc :
2011 :
Reading instructions: Chapter 28
Feminist methodologies and epistemology
Doucet A, Mauthner N.S
Reading instructions: Pp. 36-43
Additional shorter texts may be added.