The aim of this course, which is a continuation course in the multidisciplinary subject of Peace and Conflict Studies, is to give students both theoretical understanding and, to a certain extent, professional skills.

The course consists of the following modules,

15 credits each

The module is an in-depth module where methods and theories from earlier semesters will be elaborated. The module includes both method of research, practice as well as discussions on research ethics with a epistemological focus.

The module consists of individual essay writing as well as a critical examination of the work of another student and the defense of ones. The essay topic is to be chosen in cooperation with responsible teacher. The essay writing will be carried out in close cooperation with tutor.

After completed course, the student is expected to

After completed course, the student will

Making judgements

After completed courser, the student will

Seminars, lectures, essay writing, practical exercises in methods such as field work, data processing, interpretation and compilation of data both in reports and essays and tutorial. The course will focus on active participation of students. The students will be given a tutor.

A student who has not finished the project work during the course, or has not received a passing grade on the project work at the end of the course cannot be guaranteed continued supervision.

The two modules, comprising 15 credits each, will be examined and graded. In the module From Theory to Research Outcomes in Peace and Conflict Studies, the students will be assessed through active participation in method exercises, oral presentations, written texts (minor essays or reports), and through an oral or written exam.

The module Bachelor Research Project comprises 15 credits and will be assessed through the writing, the presentation, the defense of an academic essay. Essay writing comprises 12 credits. Critical examination of the work of another student and the defense of ones own comprises 3 credits.

Books

Chambliss, Daniel F. and Russell K. Schutt. 2010. Making Sense of the Social World: Methods of Investigation (3rd edition). Pine Forge Press/Sage Publications.

Creswell, John W. 2007. Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (2nd edition). Thousand Oaks, London, New Delhi: Sage Publications.

Creswell, John W. 2009. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (3rd edition). Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore: Sage Publications.

Understanding Peace Research. Methods and Challenges (2012). Eds. K Högkund and M Öberg, London: Routledge.

Articles will be added to this list, depending on the methods to be applied with regard to particular research tasks.

Reference literature:

Bloor, Micaheal and Fiona Wood. 2006. Keywords in Qualitative Methods: A Vocabulary of Research Concepts. London, Thousand Oaks and New Delhi: Sage Publications. (ISBN10 0 7619 4331 5 pbk; ISBN13 978 0 7619 4331 pbk)

Jupp, Victor. 2006. The Sage Dictionary of Social research Methods. London, Thousand Oaks and New Delhi: Sage Publications. (ISBN10 0 7619 6298 0 pbk; ISBN13 978 0 7619 6298 4 pbk)

All students are offered an opportunity to give oral or written feedback at the end of the course. A summary of the results will be made available on the school’s web-pages. The students are also given a possibility to offer feedback for each module.

Student participation takes place through the course council.