FLKM4210 Knowledge Production and the Global South Course description

In this course, the students will acquire knowledge about the concept of knowledge production, with particular reference to the Global South.

No prerequisite knowledge required.

Language of instruction: Norwegian and English

Development and changes in the health and social care field are often based on new research. To become a good professional practitioner within health sciences, it is necessary to understand and apply research literature and to see it in conjunction with clinical experience and professional development. Theory of science is an important part of the basis for understanding scientific activity. The course stimulates students to take an inquisitive and critical approach to knowledge development in order to make them better equipped to assess the grounds on which health-related decisions are made. The course also provides an overview of the most commonly applied methods in qualitative and quantitative research, and of key principles of research ethics. Insight into the various methods means that as professional practitioners, they will be able to identify research literature that is suitable to answer questions related to the health sciences.

Admission to the programme.

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

• One group-work assignment to prepare a presentation about prescribed reading(s) of 5-10 minutes (the mode may vary - e.g. a podcast, seminar presentation, an equivalent written text of 700-1000 words).
• 80 % attendance requirement (see the programme description for more information).

The purpose of the coursework requirement 1 is to contribute to students’ academic formation in the analysis of published academic work and presentation of results. Requirement 3 is designed to ensure high levels of participation in the coursework and program, to support students’ academic formation.

The course will use varied, student-active work methods. The teaching will be digital, including blended learning.

Work and teaching methods include digital lectures, digital group assignments, in-depth and reflection assignments at seminars on relevant topics, and self-study. The students will give oral presentations at the seminars, and receive oral feedback from fellow students on their group work and oral feedback from the lecturer.

The lectures on campus are given in Norwegian, for English-speaking students digital lectures are published in English. In group work, mutual assessment, etc., the students will be divided into groups according to language. Most of the syllabus is in English, but there are good alternative syllabus books in Norwegian.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the examination:

• Read a qualitative and a quantitative research article. Use the relevant CASP checklist to critically assess each article. Include in the appraisal summary of the check lists the key points that need to be considered when assessing the validity and usefulness of the results (200-300 words per article).
• Assess the critical assessments of a fellow student (peer assessment) (in total, 200-300 words).

Individual in writing home examination (multiple choice test), two hours.

The examination will be in English.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.