Entry requirements

Political science second year level or equivalent education.

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is for the student to gain the insights and skills required for the meaningful participation in a research process, i.e. being able to examine the validity of arguments presented at seminar meetings. The essay assignment should hereby train the student to distinguish and define a research problem in political science, to delimit and carry out a minor investigation relevant to this problem, and to present the results in a clear and concise way. One aim is for the student to learn the appropriate methods for surveying the existing knowledge as well as gathering adequate new data. The student should then gain concrete experience of different investigation methods and learn how they can be used to solve the various tasks of a research project. The student shall also become familiar with different modes of interpreting and analysing research material and learn to draw well considered conclusions. Furthermore the course should make the student understand the value of analysing, in a dialogue with others, the design of different research methods and to constructively consider the views of others.

Content

The course requirement is to independently carry out a well defined investigation of the student's own choice and set up in consultation with a tutor. The research will be presented at a final seminar in the form of a written paper. One important part here is for the students to analyse and consider, together with others, the design of different types of research tasks; not only the ones used by the student himself but also those of his fellow students. At the final seminar the author is expected to give a short oral presentation of his essay as well as reflect upon and answer questions about his own study. Furthermore, each student shall initiate the discussion about one other paper by acting as opponent, as well as actively participate in discussions on the other papers presented in the same seminar group.

Instruction

The teaching is done in several different forms. Advice is given at lectures on how the students are expected to work with the essay. All students are given a tutor who will meet the individual needs of each student with regard to the essay assignment. In addition, seminars are given where the authors are given the opportunity to discuss the research in process. A main feature of the teaching are the final seminars where the finished products will be presented and discussed. On this occasion the students are given the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate how the different types of projects have been carried out from beginning to end, and what conclusions can be drawn from the specific problems dealt with in the process.

Assessment

At the examination the main important thing is the design and quality of each student's essay concerning the preciseness of the problem definition, theoretical insight and reference to previous studies, methodological awareness and skill, and how well supported and clear the conclusions are. Creativity, analytical precision and depth are especially qualifying. Oral contributions at the final seminar are also counted in for the examination.

Course level in relation to degree requirements

The main focus of this course is the in-depth study and practice of the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate research problems; to plan and, by adequate methods, carry out qualified research assignments within a given time frame; and by means of both oral and written presentations report on these and discuss the conclusions and arguments involved in the process. The intention is for the students to develop the special skills required for the participation in research and development work, or for independent work in another advanced context.