Syllabus for Advanced Qualitative Methods

Learning outcomes

After completion of this course the student is expected to:

• have expanded their knowledge of qualitative methods and research designs in peace and conflict research
• have acquired knowledge of different qualitative research designs and methods and be able to critically assess their different advantages and disadvantages
• have acquired knowledge of and be able to apply some of the common techniques for case selection in qualitative research
• have acquired knowledge of the most common techniques for collecting qualitative data and be able to critically assess data collected
• be able to identify and assess relevant ethical problems associated with qualitative methods in peace and conflict research
• be able to identify and assess strategies to minimise and mitigate ethical problems in peace and conflict research
• have acquired knowledge about the challenges involved in field research
• independently solve assignments within allocated time

Content

The course aims to deepen the knowledge of qualitative social science methodology that students have acquired during undergraduate and master level studies. The aim is to expand familiarity with the most common qualitative methods, further develop the ability to use the methods in qualitative research and to critically assess different qualitative methods' advantages and disadvantages. The course also covers the specific challenges involved in field research and the ethical problems associated with qualitative peace and conflict research, including strategies to address those problems.

Instruction

The course will be carried out through lectures and interactive seminars during which the students will present and discuss written submissions. The literature combines generic methods texts with applications from the field of peace and conflict research.

Assessment

Examination and grading is based on the students' performance in the following areas: oral presentations of readings; short memos; active participation in seminars and lectures; and a final written assignment.

In order to receive the grade Pass (G), the student is required to:

• participate in all mandatory seminars and present a genuine attempt to solve all assignments before each seminar. Should a student fail to hand in a seminar assignment on time and/or be absent from a seminar, he/she will need to complete a replacement assignment in addition to the original assignment.
• receive a grade of Pass on the final written assignment.

In order to receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG), the student is required to:

• participate in all mandatory seminars and present a genuine attempt to solve all assignments before each seminar. Should a student fail to hand in a seminar assignment on time and/or be absent from a seminar, he/she will need to complete a replacement assignment in addition to the original assignment
• receive a Pass with distinction (VG) on the final written assignment.

The grading scale has three grades: Pass with distinction (VG); Pass (G); and Fail (U).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Other directives

The course will be given jointly to PhD and Master's students.