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

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has advanced knowledge of

  • different traditions in textual analysis
  • different theories about power and language
  • different genres of text of importance to the welfare state

Skills

The candidate is capable of

  • discussing how different methods of textual analysis can be applied in practice
  • conducting analysis of all types of text material
  • reflecting over language and text as forces in the welfare society and in his/her own academic work

General competence

  • The student is able to reflect critically on the ethical consequences of qualitative research and analysis

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

No coursework requirements or compulsory activities.

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

Grade scale A-F.

Examiners

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

Course contact person

Hanne Christoffersen and Marit Haldar