BSc Global Development

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Skills for Global Development Studies 1 (Qualitative Methods)

Course unit fact file
Unit code MGDI10001
Credit rating 20
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

In this course unit, you will develop your academic research skills, with a particular focus on qualitative methods. Through the presentation of scholarly readings and applied examples, we will explore a variety of qualitative research approaches, considering issues of epistemology (ways of knowing), methodology (ways of examining), and representation (academic analysis, writing and reporting) with a critical focus on decolonization. Central to the module’s narrative are issues related to the masculinization and colonization of knowledge and how the recognition of alternatives, such as indigenous and communitarian epistemologies, complements the Socratic, Cartesian, and Kantian traditions.

Aims

In this course unit, you will develop your academic research skills, with a particular focus on qualitative methods. Through the presentation of scholarly readings and applied examples, we will explore a variety of qualitative research approaches, considering issues of epistemology (ways of knowing), methodology (ways of examining), and representation (academic analysis, writing and reporting) with a critical focus on decolonization. Central to the module’s narrative are issues related to the masculinization and colonization of knowledge and how the recognition of alternatives, such as indigenous and communitarian epistemologies, complements the Socratic, Cartesian, and Kantian traditions.
 

Teaching and learning methods

• Lectures
In your lectures, I will introduce you to the main issues, concepts and theories involved in the scientific research process. We will also explore a range of qualitative methods together and learn how to best match your method to your research question. All the lectures are going to be interactive: your attendance and active participation are an integral part of your learning experience in this course, and you are expected to attend all your lectures.

• Tutorials
In the tutorials, you will get the chance to discuss, practice and critically assess qualitative research methods in use. Each tutorial will begin with a discussion and a Q&A session, followed by a group exercise. In the second part of the class, you will work on your reflective research portfolio (Assessment #1). The research portfolio exercise is designed to deepen your understanding of qualitative research concepts, methods, and skills. It will also help you prepare for your final research report (Assessment #2).
 

Knowledge and understanding

  • Comprehend the key concepts, methods and skills used in qualitative research in global development studies 
  • Critically assess and reflect upon the processes of knowledge making, including hierarchies of knowledge, indigenous knowledge systems and decolonial methods 
     

Intellectual skills

  • Describe the principles for ethical research and explain the role of positionality in research
  • Develop timely, relevant and answerable research questions for qualitative studies and ground them in existing scholarly literatures 
  • Evaluate and critically appraise the research designs used in qualitative research studies 
     

Practical skills

  • Use, locate and reference academic and non-academic literature 
  • Differentiate between the different qualitative methods for collecting, interpreting, and analyzing qualitative data 
  • Design and carry-out a qualitative research project, from developing research questions, selecting appropriate methods and analyzing data to interpreting and presenting key findings 
     

Transferable skills and personal qualities

  • Plan, manage and implement applied qualitative research project
  • Work independently and with others 
  • Communicate in writing and verbally using critical, reflexive and professional language and tone 
     

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Report 40%
Portfolio 60%

Feedback methods

Formative feedback on your Assignment #1 in our tutorials: this will include comments from the Academic as well as constructive comments from fellow students (peer feedback).

You will receive formative feedback on your Assignment #2 upon submitting your topic (1), and your outline (2). Please consult the assignment information sheets for more details.  

 

Recommended reading

Alasuutari, P., Brannen, J., & Bickman, L. (2008). The SAGE handbook of social research methods. London: Sage

Desai, V., & Potter, R. (Eds.). (2006). Doing development research. London: Sage.

Flick, U. (2022). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research design (vols 1-2). London: Sage.

Flick, U. (2013). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Data Analysis. London: Sage.

Lareau, A. (2021). Listening to People: A Practical Guide to Interviewing, Participant. Observation, Data Analysis, and Writing It All Up. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 22
Tutorials 22
Independent study hours
Independent study 156

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Katarzyna Cieslik Unit coordinator

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