LU0085, The Context and Process of Research I: Theories and Methods, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus

Syllabus

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Rural Development, Environmental Science

Subject

Environmental science

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The aim of this course is to equip students with a basic scientific understanding of social science theory and its interconnection to the research process, so as to be able to undertake studies on rural development and environmental communication issues, as well as on social science issues at large.

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• describe the main theoretical schools of social sciences, and how they are interconnected to questions of methodology and distinct research methods
• formulate research problems and objectives that are relevant to the study of rural development and environmental communication , as well as to social science at large
• delineate relevant methodological issues in relation to specific research problem
• express in written or oral form basic knowledge and dilemmas of methodological issues and distinct research methods, both qualitative and quantitative. This knowledge shall cover the theoretical and methodological preconditions and perspectives of the following areas: ethnographic methods, such as participant observation and different forms of interviews, action research, the context and background of statistical methods, and analysis of sources and discourses.
• distinguish between distinct levels and forms of scientific analysis and be able to account for their epistemological preconditions
• evaluate and discuss the role of science and ethical dilemmas in relation to the study of rural contexts 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.

The course focuses on the interconnection between theory and methods. Furthermore, the course offers students a general introduction to the main theoretical framework of social sciences and qualitative and quantitative research methods. During the course the students will also start to work on their individual research projects; formulating a research problem and selecting adequate methods, in relation to the problem. The course offers a basic understanding of the theoretical and methodological contexts and perspectives of distinct methods for data collection and analysis, with a main focus on qualitative methods, but the context of quantitative methods are also outlined. The course offers the theoretical contexts for ethnographic methods, action research, the construction of questionnaires, the use of basic statistical methods, critical discourse analysis and interview techniques.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

For successful completion of the course the student must participate in compulsory sessions and give in a portfolio that comprise approved exam and assignments.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Rural Development and Natural Resource Management - Master's Programme
• EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science
• Environmental Communication and Management - Master's Programme
• Agriculture Programme - Rural Development

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0201

The Course Replaces

delvis LU0060, LU0078