The Context and Process of Research II: Theories and Methods

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Additional course evaluations for LU0090

LU0090 The Context and Process of Research II: Theories and Methods, 7.5 Credits

Forskningsprocessens kontext och process II: teorier och metoder

Syllabus approved

2016-12-02

Subjects

Rural Development Environmental science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, only first-cycle courses as entry requirements(A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Equivalent to 120 credits within social, natural sciences or the humanities, of which 90 credits within a particular major. Basic scientific understanding of social science theory and its interconnection to the research process.
Knowledge equivalent to English B from upper secondary school, English 550 or higher TOEFL or English 5,5 or higher IELTS.

Objectives

The aim of this course is to equip students with a deepened understanding of the theoretical and methodological context of the social sciences research process, in order to undertake studies on rural development and environmental communication issues, as well as on social science issues at large. The focus is both on knowledge of social science theory and on its practical use; both in the students’ own research and in their analysis of others’ scientific research.

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:
- understand and analyze the rationale of the main schools of social science theory and account for their interconnection with distinct research methods
- understand and draw on relevant social science theories in the design of the research project and selection of interlinked research methods
- identify, discuss and analyze relevant methodological issues in relation to a specific research problem and decide which research methods that ought to be used, in order to answer the questions that the problem poses
- assess scientific texts so as to identify and critically analyze the explicit and/or implicit theories, which permeates the selection and application of research methods, including participant observation and different forms of interviews, action research, the construction of questionnaires, the use of basic statistical methods, and analysis of sources and discourses
- demonstrate in written and oral form thorough knowledge of the use of different research methods so as to establish relevant empirical material in relation to the analysis of specific research questions
- evaluate and reflect on strengths and weaknesses of different research methods and the researcher’s own position within the research
- make assessments of ethical dilemmas and actual practices in concrete research projects and methods, within the disciplines of rural development and environmental communication, as well as social research at large.

Content

The course comprises lectures, individual and group assignments, that are discussed and critiqued during seminars.

This course constitutes a continuation of the course ‘The Context and Process of Research I: Theories and Methods. The intention of the course is to enable the students to design research projects and select relevant research methods, in full awareness of their theoretical methodological preconditions and implications.
The course offers students a deepened knowledge of the theoretical framework of social sciences and qualitative and quantitative research methods. During the course the students will continue to work on their individual research projects; formulating and refining a research problem, selecting and analyzing adequate methods, in relation to the problem, while describing and analyzing their theoretical methodological preconditions and implications in both written and oral form. Furthermore, the course also offers a deepened understanding of the contexts and perspectives of distinct methods for data collection and analysis, with a main focus on qualitative methods, as well as the ethical dilemmas of research.

Formats and requirements for examination

For successful completion of the course the student must participate in compulsory sessions and give in a portfolio that comprise approved exam and assignments.
The final exam which also determines the grade of the course consists of a home exam

• If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Additional information

The admission requirement of basic scientific understanding of social science theory and its interconnection to the research process can be fulfilled by the course ‘The Context and Process of Research I: Theories and Methods’, 7,5 credits.

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Further information

Grading criteria for the course 'The Context and Process of Research II: Theories and Methods' of the Master's Programme; Rural Development and Natural Resource Management.
Course code LU0090.

5

Be able to analyze and critically discuss the main content, arguments, concepts and assumptions of the scientific study of social organization, practices and construction of meaning

Be able to analyze, evaluate and critically discuss - using philosophy of science - the role of science related to rural development, natural resource management and environmental communication

Be able to account for and critically discuss the historic and current contexts of the major traditions of philosophy of science.

Be able to analyze and critically discuss the interconnection between theory, methodology and specific methods

Be able to conduct and critically account for a basic process of social theorizing in relation to a specific research project

Be able to demonstrate excellent understanding of the literature of the course.

Submit the final home exam within the stipulated time frame

Submit the auto-ethnography when required

Participate actively in weekly discussion seminars

4

Be able to present a basic analysis of the main content, arguments, concepts and assumptions of the scientific study of social organization, practices and construction of meaning

Be able to present a basic analysis and critically discuss - using philosophy of science - the role of science related to rural development, natural resource management and environmental communication

Be able to account for and critically discuss the historic and current contexts of the major traditions of social theory

Be able to critically discuss the interconnection between theory, methodology and specific methods

Be able to conduct a basic process of social theorizing in relation to a specific research project

Be able to demonstrate substantial understanding of the literature of the course.

Submit the final home exam within the stipulated time frame

Submit the auto-ethnography when required

Participate actively in weekly discussion seminars

3

Be able to describe the main content, arguments, concepts and assumptions of the scientific study of social organization, practices and construction of meaning
Be able to explain - using philosophy of science - the role of science related to rural development, natural resource management and environmental communication
Be able to give a basic account of the historic and current contexts of the major traditions of social theory

Be able to understand the interconnection between theory, methodology and specific methods

Be able to understand how social theorizing is conducted in relation to a specific research project

Be able to demonstrate adequate understanding of the literature of the course.

Submit the auto-ethnography when required

Participate actively in weekly discussion seminars

Insufficient (U)