FLKM4410 Research Methodology Emneplan

;Alle hjelpemidler er tillatt så lenge regler for kildehenvisning følges.

Bestått/Ikke bestått.

Praksis vurderes av praksislærer og praksisveileder.

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 work and teaching methods used in the course are characterised by lectures and dialogue and discussions, to which the students bring their own different practical experience and academic backgrounds.

Students are assigned an academic supervisor for their research project (FLKM5000) by the start of this course, with up to 10 hours (out of 50 hours in total) of supervision available for work on the development of their research project description.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• An initial draft (1,500 to 2,000 words) of individual research project descriptions.
• 80 % attendance requirement (see the programme description for more information)

The purpose of the coursework requirement is to ensure all students have developed, in consultation with their academic supervisor, a feasible research project description prior to commencing their research project in the Fall.

The assessment consists of an individual course assignment: a 3,500 word (+/- 10%) written research project description that demonstrates a well reasoned methodological design and appropriate application of course contents.

Resit/rescheduled exam:

The resit/rescheduled exam is organised as a revision and resubmission of the course assignment, according to feedback provided in the initial assessment.

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.