SP9100 Qualitative Methods and Analytical Strategies Course description

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.

Newer qualitative social research draws inspiration from philosophy and the humanities, and is reflected in the subject. A presentation of various ways of producing empirical material is given. In the course, emphasis is placed on the dialogue between theory and empirical work in analysis, the choice of analytical tools, the development of empirically based and/or theory-inspired analysis models and the generation of theory on the basis of empirical work. The importance of context-sensitive analyzes and what it may entail in the field of social work and social policy. The subject also discusses various quality criteria for qualitative knowledge projects.

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 analytical 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

The course is mandatory for all candidates. It is recommended that candidates complete this course as early as possible in the programme.

The course takes a conceptual and history of ideas approach to social work and social policy as a field of knowledge and as institutional practice. The course is intended to develop the integration of the two subject areas social work and social policy, and endeavours will be made to contribute to such integration through the teaching and the issues raised. The course consists of three main thematic components:

• Important methodological approaches to the study of concepts and ideas.
• Important traditions in social work and social policy.
• Development of core concepts in social policy and social work.

No prior knowledge requirements.

After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates

• have in-depth knowledge of and insight into different methodological approaches to the study of concepts and ideas and have an overview of the main lines of argument in the methodological debate about the study of ideas and concepts
• are familiar with cutting edge knowledge in central traditions in social work and social policy
• have in-depth knowledge and understanding of key concepts and ideas in the field of social work and social policy

Skills

Candidates are capable of

• reflecting on and communicating the research in the field and its development in a history of ideas context
• contributing to developing important ideas and concepts in the field of social work and social policy
• assessing different methodological tools in order to compare and problematise concepts and ideas in the subject area

General competence

Candidates are capable of

• contributing to developing the debate on fundamental issues in social work and social policy
• identifying innovative theoretical issues of relevance to social work and social policy
• disseminating theoretical research both nationally and internationally

The candidates will submit analyzes of syllabus and other texts. Teaching is organised as a combination of lectures, discussions and presentations by the candidates in which texts are discussed and topical research presented.

Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. A minor absence from teaching 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 paper assessed.

The exam consist of a mandatory paper to be evaluated.

A paper of between 6 and 8 pages (not including list of contents and list of references) must be delivered within 6 weeks of the completion of the course. The teacher and co-teacher responsible for the course will assess the paper. A passed paper is a precondition for being awarded the 5 ECTS credits. If the paper is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised paper once, by a specified deadline.

Passed - failed

All measures of any help are permitted as long as sources are specified in the list of references.