SUM4011B - Research Methods (II)
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Course content
This course is open only to CES master students
This course builds on SUM 4011A Research Methods (I) and focuses on the use of multi- and interdisciplinary research methodologies. With a focus on concrete projects and available methodologies and research techniques, the aim is to prepare students for handling their own projects. The course also introduces students to a variety of writing strategies (exposition, argumentation, description, polemic, etc.).
Central issues are
1) how to write a project description,
2) the purpose, planning and handling of fieldwork
3) how to develop good research design.
Particular challenges related to interdisciplinarity are treated. All students will be required to attend this unit.
Learning outcomes
To provide students with experience and knowledge in how to design, plan and conduct interdisciplinary research projects, such as their own masters thesis.
The case studies provided by SUM researchers will also be used to provide students who may go on to careers in research and policy areas with practical training.
Part of this course is to write a project description
Project description
The project description encorporates the project goals, approach to the problem with the important hypothesis/questions, theory/background, method and outline of the thesis (10 pages approximately). The writing of the project description will be one of the exercises addressed in SUM 4011B, conducted after Easter in each Spring Semester.
Thesis advisor
In the end of the semester a thesis advisor will be assigned to each student. The advisor councils the student on the project description and recommends final approval to the Masters Program Director.
Admission
This course is open only to CES master students
The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisites
The Masters study is directed at students with a background in humanities, social sciences or the natural sciences. The minimum requirement for admission is that the students must have a bachelor’s degree (equivalent at least to a good second class honours degree from a reputable university). Students must also have a good working knowledge of English. Those whose language of instruction at school and university was not English must produce evidence of a TOEFL score of at least 580 (paper based) or 237 (computer based) and TWE of 4.5, or an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no individual band below 6.
Students with completed norwegian "videregående" don't have to prove their knowledge of english.
SUM4011b is only open for CES master students
Teaching
Teaching takes place throughout the semester.
Criteria for access to teaching resources
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, contingent on available capacity.
Exam information
Term paper in form of a maximum 10 pages project description including;
- formulation of central question(s)
- rationale of choice of topic
- theoretical approach
- methodological approach
- timetable, including fieldwork if relevant
- references
Exam resources
No special exam resources are allowed.
Language of examination
English
Assessment and grading
Students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade. Read more about the grading system .
Explanations and appeals
Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals
Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .
Exam options for students with special needs
Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Contact us
Senter for utvikling og miljø
Visiting address:
Sognsveien 68
Visiting hours:
9-16
Postal address:
PB 1116 Blindern
0317 Oslo
Fax: 22 85 89 20
E-mail: studentinfo@sum.uio.no
Web: www.sum.uio.no