FLKM4410 Research Methodology Course description

To qualify to sit for the final exam, students shall as a group task produce a podcast over a given part of the curriculum. Alternatively, If the student is unable to attend such a group, s/he must;write an academic paper of 2000 words (+/-10 %) on a given topic. This will enable the student to engage with the course literature and critically reflect on a particular topic. Papers must be handed in digitally through OsloMet's Learning Management System and within the stipulated deadline. No individual supervision will be provided for this paper, but students will be able to work on their papers in course seminars.

The podcast/paper will be assessed as either "approved" or "not approved". Students who do not get the required pass, may revise their podcast or rewrite and resubmit their paper once within a given deadline. Students who due to illness or other documented reasons for legal absence fail to submit this coursework requirement with the set deadline, will be given a new submission deadline. In this case, the student must present the documents confirming his/her illness.

The final assessment of this module consists of a four-hour written exam.

New/postponed exam

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student can apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exam is offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. Submission and assessment of this will be in accordance with the conditions originally applicable. The student is responsible for applying to sit for a new or postponed exam within the deadlines stipulated by OsloMet and the Faculty of Education and International Studies.

No examination supoort material is permitted.

The course consists of two parts, covering central aspects of social science research methodology and methods as appropriate for international development, education, and sustainabilities:

1. Consolidation of ‘theory of knowledge’ introduced in course FLKM4210, which, among other things, covers:

• fundamental issues of scientific explanation and their manifestation in the social sciences.
• an introduction to the social roles of science and the political, cultural and ethical grounds for and functions of knowledge, with particular reference to the interdisciplinary field of this program

1. Research methodology which, among other things, covers:

• concepts in social science research methodology
• research design in the master’s thesis, including selecting a project topic, formulating research questions, understanding the role of theory, and selecting specific methods, including:
  • Case-study/ies.
  • Interviews.
  • Document / text / policy analysis.
  • Observations and participant observations.
  • Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Questions of quality, reliability and validity in social science research.

The following grading scale is used: A to E for pass and F for no pass.

The course is open to students who have completed at least a one-year introductory course in Development Studies at OsloMet or equivalent courses at other institutions of higher eduaction in Norway or abroad.

The course will outline various traditions in the study of media in society, encompassing

'non-media-centric media studies', and the relation to development. The theme of media and

development will be approached widely and with an emphasis on the global South.

Course assignment support material is permitted.

The grade scale Pass / Fail is used.

The course assignment will be assessed by two internal examiners.

In accordance with the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet, the mode of assessment will periodically be reviewed by an external programme supervisor.