LU0103, Social science research methods in rural development, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Jon Petter Gustafsson, 2022-12-12
Valid from : Spring semester 2024 (2024-01-15)

Level

First cycle (G2F)

Main field of study

Rural Development

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to give the students an understanding of how social science research methods are used to collect and analyze empirical material, as preparation for independent work (theses). During the course, students learn how social science research methods contribute to the implementation of scientific work in rural development.

After completion of this course the student shall be able to:

• discuss choices of method and analysis for scientific work in rural development and relate these to different philosophy of science perspectives
• reason about the strengths and weaknesses of different methods
• carry out independent collection and analysis of empirical material with an emphasis on qualitative methods
• identify and discuss ethical aspects that arise when choosing a method and in the rest of the research process
• make a simple plan for scientific work
• follow basic rules regarding academic writing.

Content

Thematic content

The emphasis of the course is on the students’ learning to use common social science methods as well as collect and analyze empirical material, as a preparation for independent work (theses). Examples of methods that the students will encounter during the course are: interviews, focus groups, participant observation, surveys and discourse analysis. The students learn to discuss choices of method and analysis and to relate these choices to different philosophy of science perspectives. They get to make a simple plan for scientific work and learn to follow basic rules for academic writing.

Implementation

The course uses different teaching methods to promote students' learning and discussions through a combination of lectures, literature studies, seminars and exercises.

The course focuses on the following general competencies: scientific methods; critical thinking; written communication; academic writing.

The course includes mandatory attendance at the seminars.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Approved written presentation and approved participation in mandatory seminars.

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Rural Development - Societal Change
• Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Rural Development

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0001

The Course Replaces

LU0080

Other Information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.