SUM4100 ¨C Research Methods and Project Design

Course content

This course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the interdisciplinary research process.

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How might we best interview people to elicit the richest information? What are the benefits of participating in and observing people¡¯s actual activities? What can we learn from documents? How do the questions we ask in our research align with the methods we use to answer them?

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When we employ all these different methodologies, what sorts of assumptions do we have about how the social world is made up and how to know about it? What responsibilities do we have to ensure that our research is not causing harm to people or non-human animals? These are some of the questions which will be addressed in this course.

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The course uses SUM¡¯s core research interests as a point of departure for students to practically immerse themselves in the process of doing research. Each week, students will learn about a different aspect of research or a different methodology. Students will learn from experts from SUM, will work in groups in practical assignments, and will have many chances to present and discuss their reflections on the research process.

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Active participation in all course activities is expected of students.

Learning outcome

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After completing the course, the students will:

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Knowledge

• Have acquired insight in different research traditions and epistemologies

• Have realized a deeper understanding of how research as a process is conducted

• Be able to apply and evaluate methodological concepts and techniques at an advanced level

• Be able to identify and discuss the challenges and dilemmas involved in applying methods in concrete, practical contexts

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Skills

• Have command over a broad spectrum of perspectives within different research traditions

• Be able to apply a critical perspective regarding how methods are used in research

• Be able to summarize, present, and independently reflect on methods and research

• Be able to collaborate with other students in class

• Be able to criticise and comment on the work of fellow students in a respectful, reflected, and constructive manner.

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General knowledge

• Have developed a deep understanding and respect for the academic way of thinking

• Have developed academic curiosity and respect for academic and ethical values

Admission to the course

This course is only for students who are enrolled in the Master's Programme Development, Environment and Cultural Change (DECC).?

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with SUM4011A ¨C Research Methods (I).
• 10 credits overlap with SUM4011B ¨C Research Methods (II).

Teaching

An average of three sessions (lectures or seminars) per week. We expect students to attend all sessions. This is how you apply for a valid absence from compulsory activities/compulsory attendance: /english/studies/examinations/compulsory-activities/hf-oblig.html

Examination

2024 onwards: A portfolio, graded pass/fail, consisting of:

• 6 reflection pieces (each 1-2 pages). These will be submitted each week, and cover the week¡¯s topic, including:?
  1. Literature review;
  2. Documents;
  3. Interviewing;
  4. Multi-sited fieldwork.
  5. Participant-observation; and,
  6. Participatory Action Research
  

• An overview of proposed thesis topic (2-3 pages). This will be submitted at the end of the course.

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2020 onwards: A portfolio of activities and a 10 page project description graded pass/fail.

• Assignment 1: Research theme and research question (half a page).

• Assignment 2: Defining research aims and objectives (half a page).

• Assignment 3: Essay tba (1000 words).

• Assignment 4: Research proposal. (10 pages)

All activities are obligatory.

2019: A portfolio of activities and a 10 pages project description graded pass/fail. All activities are obligatory.

• Assignment 1: Research theme and research question (half a page).

• Assignment 2: Defining research goals and objectives (half a page).

• Assignment 3: An essay on the issue "interdisciplinary research" (1000 words).

• Assignment 4: Research proposal (10 pages).

Assesment guide/sensorveiledning

2018 - : A 10 page project description, graded pass/fail. In addition, students must submit obligatory assignments throughout the duration of the course.

Assesment guide/sensorveiledning

2017: 4 hour School exam in November (reduced because of transition to digital exam instead of hand written). In addition, students must write a 10 page project description to complete the course. The project description is graded pass/fail.

2015 - 2016: 5 hour School exam in December and to complete the course, students must in addition write a 10 page project description (students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade on the project description).

2012-2014: The course has a 3 day Home Exam of maximum 10 pages. To complete the course, students must in addition write a 10 page project description (Students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade on the project description).

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Resitting an examination

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.