General provisions

The course is part of the Master's Programme in Sociology.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) within the social sciences including at least 30 credits in sociology.

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Learning outcomes

Having undertaken the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate enhanced skills in sociological analyses of different types of qualitative materials.
• Demonstrate the ability to argue for the choice of analytical strategy in relation to the data and the research question.
• Demonstrate enhanced knowledge of the applicability of qualitative methods, as well as its strengths and limitations.
• Demonstrate enhanced abilities to independently evaluate qualitative analyses.
• Demonstrate the ability to orally and in writing account for, substantiate and justify qualitative analyses.

Content

The course deepens the student's knowledge of and skills in the use of qualitative methods in the subject of sociology. During the course, the use, strengths and limitations of qualitative methods are discussed through familiarity with sociological discussions in matters concerning qualitative research design, the analytical scope as well as research ethics. Skills in the independent evaluation of qualitative analyses are practiced through examination of published research. In addition, the course develops skills in interpretation work through encounters with different kinds of qualitative research material.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars/workshops and independent studies. Active participation in seminars is always required. Absence from compulsory components can only partially be compensated by written assignments. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements will be referred to the next occasion the course is offered.

Assessment

The assessment is based on written assignments as well as on active participation during seminars.

Grades: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), 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.

Uppsala University takes academic fraud and plagiarism seriously and takes action against students suspected of involvement in fraud and / or plagiarism. Disciplinary measures consist in formal warnings and suspension from study for specified time periods.