Examination arrangement

Course content

The course provides insight into research methods commonly used in studies of language and communication in the professions. Students learn how to plan and carry out qualitative research projects, including data selection, collection, processing, transcription, analysis and interpretation. Epistemological and ethical issues are discussed in light of specific research methods and research design. Students gain an understanding of ethical implications in research for change and become aware of their position as researchers within the framework of applied linguistics. Through a focus on topics related to interdisciplinarity and ethics, students acquire the competence required to apply their knowledge in innovative ways and in new areas. Ethical issues related to the use of authentic material are also addressed.

Learning outcome

Candidates who have completed this course will have acquired the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge
The candidate:
- has advanced knowledge of qualitative research methods in the study of language and communication in the professions
- is capable of assessing and critically reflecting on the different methods used in the study of disciplinary and interdisciplinary communication in work life and education

Skills
The candidate:
- is able to identify and define issues in research and development work
- is able to plan and carry out an independent research or development project in line with relevant norms for research ethics
- is able to make well-founded choices in collecting, processing, transcribing, analyzing and interpreting data in light of scientific insights and concepts

General competence
The candidate:
- is able to apply their knowledge of qualitative methods in new areas of research and development work
- is able to identify and independently reflect on ethical issues in research on language and communication in different professional contexts

Learning methods and activities

The course emphasizes group work and cooperative learning as a starting point for research and development work on language and communication. This approach prepares students for future teamwork and collaborative projects in work life. Collaboration will take place both in sessions and on digital learning platforms, including in the form of group- and case-based analysis seminars.
The students will complete a two-week observation practice in a selected workplace. In connection with this practice, students learn observation as a research method and to identify and define relevant communication issues for research and development work. At the end of the observation practice, students give an oral presentation.

Compulsory assignments

• Digital seminar
• Compulsory activity
• Oral presentation

Further on evaluation

Form of assessment and grading scale:
Written assignment. Preparations for the assignment begins in the observation practice and the work culminates in a written assignment of 6000–8000 words.
Grading scale: A–F.

Compulsory activities:
Digital seminar on collaboration tools and data management, including transcription.
Two-week observation practice in a selected workplace.
Oral presentation on a chosen communication issue, that the student has observed over the two-week practice.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the Master’s Programme in Language and Communication in the Professions.