FLKM4210 Knowledge Production and the Global South Course description

Research methodology will serve as a tool for the work on the master’s thesis. In the course research methodology is related to the practical craft of collecting data as well as to the theory of knowledge. Research methodology and theory of knowledge are presented separately below, but are closely interrelated and will be seen in connection with each other in the teaching activities.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

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Knowledge The student

• has thorough knowledge of important theoretical and empirical issues linked to inequality and power in the Global South
• has advanced research-based knowledge of global inequality and poverty

;

Skills The student

• is capable of explaining how theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches influence findings on the relationships between power and inequality in the Global South
• is capable of comparing and critically assessing theories and methods applied to studies of power and inequality
• is capable of analysing existing theories and perspectives with respect to connections between power and distribution in the Global South

;

General competence

The student

• is capable of transferring and adapting research questions and approaches from the analysis of power and distribution in developing regions to other geographical areas, including Norway and other OECD countries
• is capable of assessing, applying and disseminating new knowledge and academic perspectives related to the study of inequality and power

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:;

• An individual project description for the master’s thesis of 3,500 to 4,500 words.
• An individual;written report of 900 to 1,300 words based on an interview, observation etc. (to be agreed with the course coordinator).

The academic content of this course consists of perspectives on the role of education in relation to social development and local, national and international discourse on education. The role of education in relation to social, cultural and economic development, and political and economic power and inequality are important issues within this framework. Another important issue is the role of education in conflict and war situations, and to what extent education can help to mitigate or exacerbate conflicts. Emphasis is also given to the role of education in relation to issues concerning identity (indigenous, ethnic and national identities) and the choice of language of instruction in multilingual societies.

No examination support material is permitted.

Letter grades ranging from A to F are used, with A being the highest grade and E the poorest pass grade, and F being a fail grade.

The exam is assessed by one internal and one external examiner. ;

The course consists of two parts:

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Theory of knowledge, which, among other things, covers:

• fundamental issues of scientific explanation
• an introduction to the social roles of science and the political, cultural and ethical grounds for and functions of knowledge, with particular reference to science of education and development studies

;

Research methodology, which, among other things, covers:

• concepts in social science research methodology
• theoretical and empirical research carried out in studies of international education and development
• reliability and validity issues
• quantitative and qualitative methods with particular emphasis on fieldwork methodology, document analysis and interview/questionnaire methods
• reading, interpreting and using quantitative and qualitative data
• knowledge of research design and application of research methodology in work on the master’s thesis

A grade scale with A being the highest grade and E the poorest pass grade is used. The grade F means that the student has failed the exam.

One internal and one external examiner are used.;