Social science research methods in rural development
This course instance is exclusively for incoming exchange students
Course description
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.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
LU0103, Social science research methods in rural development, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
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
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.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Urban and Rural Development
Supplementary information
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0001 |
The Course Replaces
LU0080