Course content

The course provides an introduction to relevant research methods for examining socio-cultural processes of change. Various techniques for collecting data, and for analyzing collected material will be presented; interviewing and use of written sources, including text analysis, will be emphasized. A selection of basic methodological problems of particular importance to modern societal- and cultural studies will be dealt with. One example is the question of valid knowledge and the relationship between data/sources and real life. Another is the position of the scholar within his or her field of research and the choice of analytical perspective. A third example concerns the relationship between a particular approach and choice of research material: what type of material is best suited to analyze a given problem? The practical aim of the course is to enable students to complete a research project. Hence, great emphasis will be put on the students' preparation towards choosing a topic and a plan for their Master's thesis. Through practical exercises the aim is to develop the students' ability to create their own "research problem", to define a thesis, and to analyze relevant material.

Learning outcome

The objective of the course is to provide students with an introduction to relevant research methods by which to examine socio-cultural processes of change.

Learning methods and activities

Assessment is based on a portfolio of written work: two assignments, each 3-4 pages long, as well as a larger work of 10-12 to be submitted at the end of term. The first two assignments must be passed in order for the longer essay to be accepted. Collective assessment. Letter grade.

Compulsory assignments

• 75% class attendance, and corresponding participation in and completion of assignments

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree within the humanities or social sciences.

Credit reductions