Course syllabus spring 2011
Course syllabus spring 2011
Title
Theory of Science and Research Methodology
Swedish title
Theory of Science and Research Methodology
Course code
IM626E
Credits
15 credits
Grading scale
UV / Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2010-11-29
Syllabus valid from
2011-01-19
Entry requirements
Bachelor degree in social sciences or humanities + the equivalent of English course B
Level
Advanced level
Main field
International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Progression level
A1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can normally be included in a generel degree at advanced level.
Course contents
The course presents important aspects of theory of science and research methodology relevant to the multi-disciplinary field of advanced IMER studies. Covering both qualitatively and quantitatively oriented methods of research, the course provides knowledge for the student in formulating research questions and relevant problems/hypotheses for conducting an independent research assignment (see courses IM627E and IM628E). The student’s ability to choose, apply and present methods of research will be assessed through seminar presentations and written assignments.
Learning outcomes
After finishing the course, the student is able to:
- demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of research methodologies within the humanities and the social sciences, as well as the various theoretical perspectives that inform those methodologies;
- identify and formulate a research problem relevant to IMER-related research both orally and in writing;
- produce a research design for a specific research situation in order to 1) begin their own research and 2) understand the different circumstances under which research is conducted, as a means of critically assessing the research of others;
- analyze and evaluate issues of empirical research from relevant social and ethical perspectives, including the possibilities and limitations of research in the social sciences and humanities and the role of such research in society and
- identify their need for further knowledge within the subject of IMER, and take individual responsibility for the development of such knowledge.
Learning activities
The course is based on active participation of the students. A variety of methods, including interactive lectures/discussions, assigned readings, and group projects will be utilized for the purpose of achieving the course objectives.
Assessment
The assessment of the students’ knowledge will be based on individually performed written assignments and/or on oral or written presentations of group projects. In group presentations, the individual student’s contribution must be distinguishable.
Students who do not pass the regular course exams have the minimum of two re-sit opportunities. Re-sits follow the same form as the original exams, apart from re-sits for group work, which take the form of individual written and oral assignments.
The course is graded using the Swedish system of Väl Godkänd (Pass with distinction), Godkänd (Pass) and Underkänd (Fail), together with the ECTS-grading system of A, B, C, D, E, F(x), and F.
Course literature and other study material
Required texts:
Berger, Peter L., och Thomas Luckmann. 1991. The social construction of reality: a treatise in the sociology of knowledge. London: Penguin.
Bourdieu, Pierre, och Loïc J. D. Wacquant. 1992. An invitation to reflexive sociology. Cambridge: Polity.
Chalmers, Alan F. 1999. What is this thing called science? Buckingham: Open University Press.
Feyerabend, Paul. 1988. Against method. London: Verso.
Kuhn, Thomas S. 1996. The structure of scientific revolutions. Chicago, Ill.: University of Chicago Press.
Mills, C. Wright. 2000. The sociological imagination. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press.
Somekh, Bridget, och Cathy Lewin. 2005. Research methods in the social sciences. London: SAGE.
In addition to the books listed above there will be 300-500 pages of articles to be agreed upon during the course.
Course evaluation
All students are offered an opportunity to give oral or written feedback at the end of the course.