Exploring Sweden, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course introduces ethnographic research methods such as interviews and observations. It combines theory and practical assignments to discuss and explore how qualitative methods can be used to study Sweden from cultural perspectives. A cultural perspective in this course means a focus on people's thoughts, experiences, meaning-making and doings.  

Module 1: Qualitative methods - an introduction (4 ects)
In the first module we introduce qualitative methods such as interviews and observations. We discuss what type of knowledge these methods enable for studying Swedish culture, as well as methodological possibilities and challenges including ethics and reflexivity. During the module students will engage in smaller practical assignments related to Swedish culture.

Module 2: Exploring Sweden (3,5 ects)
In the second part of the course, the student will conduct a smaller documentation of a Swedish phenomenon using qualitative methods. The assignment is presented orally and through a written report. 

Expected learning outcomes

Expected learning outcomes
Module 1: Qualitative methods - an introduction (4 ects) 

After completing Module 1 the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Account for ethnographic and qualitative methods, their knowledge contribution, and how and why these methods are applied 
• Demonstrate knowledge of ethical considerations regarding qualitative methods 

Skills and abilities

• Through smaller practical assignments, practice qualitative methods for studying Swedish culture  

Judgment and approach

• Discuss the possibilities and difficulties of qualitative methods for investigating Swedish culture 

Module 2: Exploring Sweden (3,5 ects) 

After completing Module 2 the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Motivate the relevance, the limitations and ethical implications of using qualitative methods for a documentation of a specified Swedish phenomena 
• Account for the methodological approach of the documentation 

Skills and abilities

• Conduct a minor qualitative study to document a Swedish phenomenon from cultural perspectives
• Exemplify and discuss the main findings of the documentation 

Judgment and approach

• Reflect on their own influence on the documentation 

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The course is held in English. Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, group exercises, and individual work. When attendance at lectures or exercises is compulsory, that is, of the examining nature, it is specifically stated in the schedule. If the student is absent from a compulsory seminar or lecture, a supplementary assignment will be provided by the teacher. 

 For those who are registered for a course and have a disability, there are resources for special support. For more information, contact the Student Center. 

Examination modes

Module 1: Qualitative methods - an introduction (4 ects)
The module is examined continuously through smaller practical assignments and participation in mandatory seminars. Assignments and seminars are graded with Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). To pass the module (min. grade G (Pass) all mandatory parts are required.

Module 2: Exploring Sweden (3,5 ects)
The module is examined continuously through an individual documentation which is presented through a written paper and an oral presentation at a seminar. The seminar is graded with Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). The individual paper is graded with Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd), Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). To pass the module (min. grade G (Pass)) all mandatory parts are required, and the individual paper must have received the grade G. To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for the module, all mandatory parts are required (grade G), and the individual paper must have received the grade VG. 

For each examining part of the course there is a regular examination given with a second reexamination within two months after the regular examination. For examinations performed in May and June, the first reexamination is offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition to this, a third reexamination is given within a year after the end of the course. Those who have passed the test may not undergo a re-test for higher grades. 
 
A student who does not fully meet the objectives of an examination but is close to the limit for a passing grade can, after a decision by the examiner, be given the opportunity to supplement in order to achieve the examination assignment's criteria for a passing grade. Completion of the examination must be adapted individually based on the goal(s) not achieved by the student, and must take place within two weeks after the students have been notified of the examination results, but before the next examination opportunity. It is only permitted to supplement an unsuccessful result to pass, supplementation for higher grades is not permitted.  

 
The examiner can decide on deviations from the syllabus' examination form. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation from the department responsible for the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination which is then communicated to the student. 

 
To pass the course, all exams and compulsory parts must be passed. The grade constitutes a summary assessment of the results in the various parts of the examination and is only set when all compulsory parts have been approved. To obtain the grade Pass with distinction on the entire course, the student must have received this grade on module 2. 

 
Students who are registered for a course and have registered credits in Ladok on the course have the right to be examined on the course and its parts up to two years after the first registration date. A student who, without a passing grade, has passed an ordinary examination and a re-examination for the course, has the right to have another examiner appointed at the next re-examination, unless there are special reasons to the contrary. Requests for a change of examiner are made to the director of studies at the Department of Culture and Media Studies.
 

Transfer of credits 
The student who wishes to take advantage of education obtained at another department or university (Swedish / foreign) must do so in the order described in Tillgodoräknandeordning vid Umeå universitet (Dnr. 545-3317-02). 

The application for credit must be made in writing. The application must state which element or course the application refers to. Certified copies of course certificates or equivalent, stating the university, time, subject affiliation, level, points and grades must be attached. In addition, the syllabus, including bibliography for the courses referred to and, where applicable, essay work, must be attached. 

Other regulations

Other regulations
In a degree, this course may not be included together with another course with similar content. In case of doubt, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Cultural and Media Studies.