Theory of Science and Research Methodology

Course Code: IM626E

Institution:

Department of Global Political Studies

Revision:

3

For students admitted spring 2012  

Other set versions

Approval

The course was established 26 February 2009.
This course syllabus (version 3) was approved 15 November 2011 by the Board of Studies at Faculty of Culture and Society (SMS).
The syllabus is valid from 16 January 2012. Replacement for course syllabus ratified 29 November 2010.

Education level

Second cycle

Advancement in relation to the degree requirements

The course can normally be included in a generel degree at advanced level.

Entry requirements

Bachelor degree in social sciences or humanities + the equivalent of English course B

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.

Assessments

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 content

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 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.


Grading system

Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).


Reading list and other media

Required texts:

Fairclough, Norman. 2003. Analysing Discourse. Textual analysis for social research. London: Routledge.

Foucault, Michel.1998. The History of Sexuality. The will to knowledge, London: Penguin Books.Ltd.

How, Alan. 2003. Critical Theory. Palgrave.

Kuhn, Thomas S. 1996. The structure of scientific revolutions. Chicago, Ill.: University of Chicago Press.

Rosenberg, Alexander. 2008. Philosophy of Social Science. Boulder, Co.: Westview Press.

Somekh, Bridget, och Cathy Lewin. 2005. Research methods in the social sciences. London: SAGE.

Weber, Max. 2001. (2nd ed.) The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, with introduction by Anthony Giddens. London: Routledge.

Whyte, William Foote. 1993. Street Corner Society. The social structure of Italian slum. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

Articles:

Horkheimer, Max. 1937. Traditional and Critical Theory in Horkheimer Critical Theory. Selected Essays. New York: Continuum, 1975, pp 188-243.

In addition to the books and articles 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.