SOSGEO4013 – Analytical strategies in qualitative research

Knowledge objectives

Throughout this course, you will acquire in-depth knowledge about

• • different analysis strategies such as narrative analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis and process tracing as well as their procedures for implementation
  • the theoretical justification and analytical traditions of the same strategies

Skill objectives

Throughout this course, you will learn how to

• • basic principles for coding qualitative data
  • process qualitative data in line with a chosen analysis strategy
  • convey your own interpretations using a chosen analysis strategy
  • document and justify your analytical process in research publications

General competence

This course will enable you to

• • evaluate an analytical process as it presented by yourself or in published research
  • systematize and interpret meaning in qualitative data across different research contexts

Admission to the course is dependent on admission to a master’s degree programme at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography.

The course is open to master specialisation in didactics for social science in the Teacher Education Programme (Lektorprogrammet) - please see the link for information regarding admission

It is recommended that students complete SOSGEO4000 or an equivalent.

Students are assumed to have basic knowledge of research design and social science methodology.

Term paper.

Assessment is based on a course paper in which students analyse a self-selected piece of original material using at least one methodological framework covered in the course, demonstrating analytical steps and integrating extensive empirical excerpts. The paper must be 3000–3500 words (excluding appendix and references) and include a brief methodological reflection on material selection, preparation, and encountered challenges, as well as an appendix that discusses the use of AI tools during the research and writing process.

If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.

See also our information about resitting an exam.