Programplaner og emneplaner - Student
SP9100 Qualitative Methods and Analytical Strategies Course description
- Course name in Norwegian
- Kvalitativ metode og analysestrategier
- Study programme
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PhD Programme in Social SciencesPhD Programme in Social Work and Social PolicyPhD Modules in Social Work and Social PolicyElective modules from PhD Programme in Social Sciences
- Weight
- 10.0 ECTS
- Year of study
- 2023/2024
- Curriculum
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SPRING 2024
- Schedule
- Programme description
- Course history
-
Introduction
The course provides a sound grounding in some traditions and approaches that are categorised as qualitative research and their epistemological basis. The focus will be on different methodological approaches each time the course is taught.
Recent qualitative social science research also takes its inspiration from philosophy and the humanities, which is reflected in the course. Different ways of producing empirical material will be presented. Qualitative analysis is an important element in the course: the dialogue between theory and empirical data, the design of analytic tools and development of empirically based and theory-inspired analysis models, and theory generation based on empirical data. The course will also examine what contextualised analyses can entail in the field of social work and social policy. Different sets of quality criteria for qualitative knowledge projects are presented, and the course will also include information about the debate in the field.
The methodological approach for spring 2023: Will be announced
Required preliminary courses
No prior knowledge required
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
Candidates
- are capable of assessing the expediency and application of different methods' area of use, possibilities and limitations
- have thorough and nuanced insight into one or two specific methodological approaches, and can relate them to their own research field
Skills
Candidates are capable of
- applying qualitative research methods and conducting qualitative analyses of a high standard
- making well-thought-through choices that fit the candidates' own projects and pertaining research questions
General competence
Candidates are capable of
- considering ethical issues of different types with academic integrity
- participating in relevant international debates in the subject area
- identifying and preparing new researchable questions on the basis of complex societal conditions
Teaching and learning methods
The course will be organised as lectures, student presentations and discussions.
Course requirements
Active participation supports the development of candidates' understanding of the subject area, and candidates must have prepared by reading the syllabus in order to be able to take active part in discussions.
Participation is mandatory and expected in all lectures and seminars. Only a minor absence may be accepted in certain circumstances after application. In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.
The course lasts four days, first three days, then one last day about 10 weeks later. On the last day the participants receive feedback on submitted essay from the course leader and fellow students. Each of the participants must provide feedback on essay to two fellow students.
Assessment
Candidates must write an essay of about 12-15 pages, taking their own knowledge project in qualitative methodology as their point of departure. A passed essay is a precondition for being awarded the 10 ECTS credits. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specified deadline.
Permitted exam materials and equipment
Gender, ethnicity, social class, age/generation, functional ability and sexual orientation form the basis for social categories that are part of the power relations and forms of dominance in society today. That also makes them important to the freedom of action of groups and individuals and the way in which they understand themselves and others. It is a challenge in empirical analyses to take into consideration that people belong to many different categories at the same time.
Intersectional approaches make it possible for analyses to identify the many-faceted interactions that can constitute social categories and that social categories can produce. This course includes theoretical perspectives and empirical research that are primarily based on affiliation to one of the relevant categories, as well as scholarly works that make dynamic relationships between category affiliations the focus of their analysis.
Grading scale
No prior knowledge requirements
Examiners
After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
Candidates have
- knowledge about theoretical perspectives that challenge notions that social categories are substantially uniform
- knowledge about social and cultural processes that have contributed/contribute to different forms of category construction
Skills
Candidates have
- an academic basis for conducting complex and dynamic analyses of people's concurrent affiliation to important categories
- an academic basis for analysing and reflecting on power relations in research and social work activities from an intersectional perspective
General competence
Candidates are capable of
- assessing and identifying new research questions in the field
- taking part in debates in national and international forums
Admission requirements
Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. A minor absence may only be accepted under certain circumstances and upon application. In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.
Course contact person
Teaching will take the form of lectures, groups- and class discussions.