Metod inklusive uppsatssamordning i statsvetenskap

The course is a compulsory course in the Political Science Programme and is also given as a freestanding course. The course is also an elective course in Programme in Environmental Social Science. The course is a method course in political science.

Admission to the course requires the successful completion of the courses SK1113 Institutions and Actors in Political Systems (15 credits) SK1124 Political Theory (7,5 credits), SK1125 International Relations (7,5 credits) SK1214 Democracy and democratization in a comparative perspective (15 credits) as well as the successful completion of one of the courses SK1223 Further Studies in Democracy (15 credits) or SK1224 Prospects for Environmental Politics (15 credits) or the equivalent knowledge.

The course consists of two main tracks that run in parallel through the whole course: for the first a general orientation and practical training in some of the most common methods in political science research and for the other specific preparations to write degree project. In the first track, lectures are varied with practical exercises in groups where the students practice to apply some of the most common methods in political science research. In the other track, the students relate the general method issues and the skills to their own planned thesis by during the course write increasingly developed papers about ideas, issues and methods prior to future thesis work. The work with the papers takes place individually and the students will be given occasion for feedback how their work advances from teachers and other students.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe the basic features of some of the most common methods in political science research.
• Account for the difference between different types of research questions.

Competence and skills

• With support in theory and previous research as well as with a correct scientific terminology formulate a society-relevant and for the research interesting political science problem.
• On the basis of a given scientific problem choose appropriate form (research design) and method for an academic study.
• In a basic way apply some of the most common qualitative and quantitative methods in political science research.
• Independently produce text in accordance with good academic practice, including proper citation technique and use of references.
• Communicate clearly and proficiently in Swedish both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach

• Evaluate how the form (design) and method of a scientific study facilitates/limit the conclusions that is possible to draw of an academic study.
• In a varied way argue for why a certain design and method is most appropriate to answer a given scientific question.
• Reflect on ethical aspects of different method choices and techniques.

The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, group assignments, seminars and supervision on an individually written paper.

Language of instruction: Swedish

The course is given in Swedish but literature and lectures in English can occur.

The course is assessed by student participation in seven compulsory group work and associated seminars, as well as individually write and orally defend a paper about a planned research project which in most cases implies a plan for the future degree project. Regarding the individually written sit down exam, it is not allowed to discuss answers and/or formulate answers to the assignments in collaboration with others. On the individually written paper it is allowed to discuss the assignment with others, but the writing must be done individually. If you cooperate with another student on the writing, it will be considered cheating.

Completion of examined assignments are permitted on group work, seminars and minor essays. If the student does not submit the completion on time, the student will be failed on the assignment. The sit down examination can not be supplemented but must be redone in those cases when the student did not achieve the grade G.

A student who is not able to attend a compulsory seminar can do an alternative assignment. The exact format of the assignment will be described by the responsible teacher.

If a student who has failed the same examined course component twice, wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application should be sent to the department responsible for the course and be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary. (Chapter 6, Section 22, Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

At least five examination occasions should be offered to the students to pass a course or part of a course. (Chapter 6, Section 21, Higher Education Ordinance).

In cases where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, the student shall normally be guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination) during a period of at least one year from the last time the course was given. This may not contradict Chapter 6, Section 21, Higher Education Ordinance.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

For the grade Pass on the whole course, the requirements are approved participation in all group work and Pass on the individually written and orally defended research plan (PM3).

For the grade Pass with distinction on the whole course, the requirements are approved participation in all group work and Pass with distinction on the individually written and orally defended research plan (PM3).

The student will be given the opportunity to do a course evaluation. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.