EPN-V2

MAPSY4070 Research Design and Project Description Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Forskningsdesign og prosjektbeskrivelse
Study programme
Master’s Programme in Health Sciences – Interdisciplinary Specialisation in Mental Health and Addiction, part-time
Master’s Programme in Health Sciences – Interdisciplinary Specialisation in Mental Health and Addiction, full time
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2024/2025
Curriculum
SPRING 2025
Schedule
Course history

Introduction

Language of instruction: Norwegian and English

This course covers the research process from the planning phase until completion of the master’s thesis, including literary searches and referencing, formulation of research questions/hypotheses/issues, choice of research method and development of a project description, as well as ethical assessments relating to the student’s own work. Formal requirements for the project description are also covered to enable the student to complete the project description for their master’s thesis by the end of the course.

Recommended preliminary courses

MAVIT4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits or equivalent. MAVIT4060 Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodology, 10 ECTS credits.

Required preliminary courses

Knowledge

The student

- has knowledge of different theoretical perspectives on diversity and equality, including sociological, post-colonial and inter-sectional perspectives, and knowledge of how these can be used in work with children, young people and families

- has knowledge of identity and belonging and how different identities and group affiliation can work together in categorisation and marginalisation processes

- has knowledge of inclusion and exclusion mechanisms at the institutional and individual level, including categorisation, marginalisation, stigmatisation, segregation, discrimination and racism

- has knowledge of different perspectives on power and how structural power can play out in the relationship between the majority and minority

- has knowledge of ethnic minorities and refugees’ life situations and rights

- has knowledge of indigenous people’s life situations and rights, including the rights of Sami children to practise their own language and culture

- has knowledge of using interpreters in child welfare work

Skills

The student

- can apply relevant theoretical perspectives and knowledge to analyse and develop a nuanced understanding of different minority groups’ situation and challenges in the Norwegian welfare state

- can reflect on society’s general understanding of different minority groups and how these understandings can influence their own professional practice with children, young people and families

- can reflect on how their own childhood, cultural background, preconceptions and values influence interactions with different minorities and can influence assessments and decisions in child welfare work

- can reflect on how power plays out in interactions between child welfare officers and children, young people and families from different minority backgrounds

General competence

The student

- can critically reflect on their own and other’s actions, attitudes, experiences and values relating to different minorities

- can contribute to ensuring equitable services for all groups in society, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual expression, sexual orientation, religion and life philosophy, functional ability, age and class

Learning outcomes

The course is taught through lectures, self-study, group work and other teaching methods as needed.

Teaching and learning methods

No coursework requirements or compulsory activities.

Course requirements

An individual oral exam with a time frame of approx. 30 minutes.

Candidates who fail or who were absent from the ordinary exam for a valid reason can take a resit/rescheduled exam.

Assessment

Publicly approved law collections with notations according to more detailed guidelines are permitted during the exam.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

Grade scale A-F.

Grading scale

Oral exam is assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Examiners

Amela Pacuka og Wenche Bekken

Overlapping courses

-