BSc Global Development

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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.

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.
 

• 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).
 

• 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 
   

• 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 
   

• 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 
   

• 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 
   

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.  

 

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.