FLKM4410 Research Methodology Course description

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.;

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.

The course consists of two parts:

;

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

The work and teaching methods used in the course are characterised by lectures and dialogue and discussions, to which the students bring their own different practical experience and academic backgrounds. See the programme description for further details.

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 assessment consists of an individual six-hour written examination with invigilation.

;

Resit/rescheduled exam

The resit/rescheduled exam is organised in the same way as the ordinary exam.

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 will be assessed by one internal and one external examiner.