The completion of a minimum of 22.5 credits with a progression in Communication for Development as a main field of study.

The aim of this course is to give the students the opportunity to gain practical experience of the usage of research methods, and to reflect upon and discuss methodological issues of relevance for Communication for Development in general, and the study they are planning to pursue during their degree project in particular.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

After completing the course, the student demonstrates:

(1) an understanding of the principles and rationale of a range of research paradigms of relevance for Communication for Development,

(2) in-depth knowledge about advantages and disadvantages of specific research methods, and

(3) the capacity to develop and apply a research framework in a critical, ethical and self-reflective way.

SKILLS AND ABILITY

After completing the course, students will be able:

(4) to formulate research questions, design a study and select methods appropriate for specific research needs,

(5) to reflect upon methodological aspects related to various research paradigms, and to see the relationship between theoretical discourse and choice of methods

CRITICAL SKILLS AND APPROACH

After completing the course, the student demonstrates:

(6) the capacity to critically reflect upon their own role and position as researchers, regarding matters such as power issues, ethical aspects as well as limitations and strengths of the outcome result,

(7) the critical awareness needed to discuss and analyse ethical problems connected to research in the area Communication for Development,

(8) awareness of the risks and harms of different research methods and designs in Communication for Development research, and

(9) methodological reflection upon issues such as epistemology and ontology.

Lectures, field observation, group work, literature studies and individual essay assignments.

The course is examined through an individual observation exercise (1 credit, pass/fail grading scale, learning outcomes 1, 2), a classic reading group exercise (1 credit, pass/fail grading scale, learning outcomes 4, 5 & 7), an encyclopedia exercise (1 credit, pass/fail grading scale, learning outcomes 2, 4, & 9) and a final individual assignment (4.5 credits, AU grading scale, learning outcomes 3, 6, 7, 8 & 9) where the student, should get the opportunity to gain practical experience by using (at least) one particular research method of their own choice.

Students should able to reflect upon and discuss methodological issues of relevance for Communication for Development in general, and the thesis they are planning to pursue during the subsequent Degree Project course in particular.

Given, Lisa (ed.) (2012): The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. London: Sage.

Regina Scheyvens (ed) Development Fieldwork: A Practical Guide, 2nd edition. London: Sage

A selection of classic readings is shared with students for the group exercise

An anonymous electronic course evaluation is made at the end of the course. The electronic evaluation is accessible for all students.

Access to computer with Internet connection (broadband) is required.