Main Field of Study and progress level:
Social Work: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Excellent, Very good, Good, Satisfactory, Sufficient, Insufficient, Insufficient
Responsible department: Department of Social Work
Established by: Head of Department of Social Work, 2016-12-02
Revised by: Head of Department of Social Work, 2017-12-12
Contents
The course provides an in-depth knowledge in and about various qualitative methods, as well as main characteristics and key concepts within the traditions which constitutes the background to these methods. Central in the course is to perform exercises in a selection of qualitative methods based on empirical data obtained through observation, interview, or text. Themes raised and problematize in the course is the qualitative research implications regarding: methodological considerations; choice of method in relation to a research question; collection of empirical material; interpretation; knowledge claims; and the ethical positions that arise.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course, students must:
Knowledge -Have a thorough knowledge of the main features of the different scientific traditions and its central concepts -demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of methodological considerations in qualitative research approaches, and be able to relate these to the scientific traditions that constitute the basis for qualitative research
Skills -Demonstrate skills and abilities in terms of qualitative analysis of empirical data such as observation, interviews and document studies -Be able to apply and justify the methods mentioned above
Competences -Be able to critically evaluate texts in terms of qualitative approaches -Be able to identify and evaluate ethical issues, and argue for their own ethical standpoints, in relation to qualitative methods
Required Knowledge
For admission to the course a minimum of 90 university credits are required in the following subjects: social work, sociology, Psychology, Peace and conflict studies, Gender Studies, Economic and social geography, Education, Political science, Law/legal Science or in other courses that are considered equal to thus above, including a bachelor thesis carrying at least 15 credits or 90 ECTS wihtin nursing including an individual essay carrying at least 15 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/5 or comparable is also required
Form of instruction
Teaching methods consist of lectures, literature studies, practical exercises and seminars. The teaching is based on students' active participation and independent study where the students have to prepare various tasks, individually and / or in groups. Students have to base the individual work on his/her own research question and problematize and apply different methodological approaches. The course ends with an individual written assignment.
Examination modes
Examination is as follows: • active participation in seminars • written assignments • individual written final assignment
If the student has a certificate of special pedagogical support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adjusted form of examination.
For the individual written final assignment, the grades awarded are Fail (F, FX), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B), Excellent (A). For components, active participation in seminars and written assignments, the grades Fail or Pass can be awarded. Completing grade for the course is based on the result of the individual written final assignment and awarded after the completion of all compulsory course elements.
Literature
Valid from:
2018 week 33
The social construction of reality : a treatise in the sociology of knowledge Berger Peter L., Luckmann Thomas Repr. : London : Penguin : 1991 : 249 s. : ISBN: 0-14-013548-0 Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
Creswell John W. Research design : qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches 3. ed. : Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Sage : cop. 2009 : xxviii, 260 s. : ISBN: 978-1-4129-6557-6 (hft.) Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
Hermerén G Good research practice, Stockholm: The Swedish Research Council Inst för socialt arbete : 2011 : https://publikationer.vr.se/produkt/good-research-practice/ Mandatory Reading instructions: Also available in a Swedish version: God forskningssed
