6308.21 - Methodology and Method 2

6308.21

Methodology and Method 2

5

The students have accomplished “Methodology and Method 1” (before 2021 “Methodology 1”) in the Masters degrees in Politics and Administration, Social Science as well as History

The purpose of the course is to develop and strengthen the student’s abilities to apply methodology, method and research design in relation to a research question before writing their MA-thesis.

The course emphasizes knowledge on methodology, method and research design in relation to the MA-thesis. The course is also developing the ability to formulate a research question and develop a research design in relation to the MA-thesis. In the methodological part, the course will focus on different theoretical approaches with different ontological and epistemological points of departure. The course will also focus on knowledge about historiography and the critical evaluation of sources. In relation to research design, the course will develop the ability to identify units of analysis and acknowlegde different methodological concepts and criteria. With regard to method, the course will emphasize different ways of collecting data in relation to a research question in an MA-thesis.

The course is a combination of seminars, group work as well as individual work.

When the course is over, the student is required to demonstrate his/her abilities to: • explain and reflect on different methodological approaches in relation to a research question • identify strengths and weaknesses when selecting different methods in relation to a research question • formulate and evaluate an appropriate research design in relation to a research question • critically evaluate a research design and a scientific line of procedure in relation to a research question

Written home assignment containing 3-5.000 words.

Internal

7-

Approximately 200 pages. The bibliography will be accesible on Moodle. Indicative page number in the bibliography will be 100 pages. In addition to the bibliography, the students are required to find and use their own literature selected in relation to their MA thesis.

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