EPN-V2

SFV4500 Applied analyses workshop - qualitative method Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Anvendt analyseverksted - kvalitativ metode
Study programme
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Study Option International Social Welfare and Health Policy
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care
Master in Programme Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences
Elective modules, Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

The course provides an in-depth look at various methods of qualitative analysis and is suitable for students who wish to use qualitative methods in their master's thesis. A central theme is the power of language, and how various texts in the welfare state can be said to exercise power over the welfare state's "users". How a "client", "resident" or "patient" is presented in medical or social records can, for example, have a decisive impact on the person's future life. Students will receive training in practical analysis of concrete research material, either texts of various kinds, or qualitative interviews. The aim is to build up competence in research analysis, which will also be a useful preparation for the analysis process in the master's thesis.

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

Required preliminary courses

None.

Learning outcomes

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus, and is organised as a combination of lectures and practical analysis work in groups and through plenary discussions. The student will acquire a reflective attitude towards the tools of analysis through independent work with different texts.

The practical analysis work takes place in the form of two writing seminars. Prior to the first seminar, the student must submit the draft of an essay. Feedback from the person responsible for the seminar will be given in the first seminar. Prior to the second seminar, the student must submit a reworked draft of the essay, and read the first draft of two fellow students. During the second seminar, the student must provide written and oral opponent feedback on the drafts. Attendance is required at both seminars in order to receive opponent feedback and comments from the seminar tutor.

Course requirements

The teaching is mainly designed with "flipped classroom" and learning activities in class and smaller groups. Digital learning resources such as digital lectures, videos and films will be available to the students in advance. Students are recommended to use these resources and to be prepared before the lectures and the seminars. The students are specially recommended to participate at the presentation seminar since this seminar offers a unique opportunity for learning.

Assessment

The exam in the course is an individual essay based on a text of their choice. In this essay, the student must analyse the chosen text based on one of the methods of analysis included in the syllabus. The chosen method of analysis must be substantiated on the basis of how applicable it is in relation to the chosen research question and text.

The exam paper must have a scope of 10 pages (+/- 10 per cent). Font and font size: Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

Students awarded a fail grade are given one opportunity to submit an improved version of the essay for assessment.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

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

Grading scale

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

Examiners

Pass/Fail. The same grade is given for all students in the group.

Course contact person

All answers are assessed by one examiner. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.