General provisions

The course is included in the Master's Programme in Religion in Peace and Conflict.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree where the main field of study consists of at least 90 credits in Theology, History, Philosophy, Linguistics, Law, Educational Science, Social Science or the equivalent. The main field of study should include an individual assignment worth at least 15 credits.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• discuss questions of scientific theory;
• know how discourse analysis can be used in research;
• explain Participatory Action Research and critically discuss preconditions and results;
• discuss theoretical frameworks and choices of method in different research projects;
• argue and take a position on ethical issues related to research.

Content

The course trains students in critical thinking and the application of relevant research methods in order to solve problems concerning religious and ethically based engagement. The main theories and methods studied are action research, discourse analysis and qualitative and quantitative behavioural science methods. The course also develops students' ability to take a position on ethical research problems.

Instruction

The course is a distance-learning course. The students must fulfil written assignment and on-line seminar within specified time. Contact between teachers and students takes place via a learning platform. Students have the right to compensate for one missed assignment or seminar. An Internet connect computer is essential.

Assessment

The course is assessed on the basis of active participation in seminar discussions and written assignments.

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 regulations

Please note that the stated teaching methods may be replaced by self-studies if there is a very low number of students.

Transitional provisions

Students retain the right to be examined on the course according to this syllabus for 3 semesters after their course instance has ended. Normally, instruction will be given according to the latest version of the course syllabus only.