Learning outcomes

The student will learn in practice how to do their own research and they have a sound understanding of the criteria for scientific research.

Contents

This course offers an introduction into selected research methods used in the social sciences and humanities in general and peace and conflict studies in particular. Special emphasis is put on questions pertaining to multi- and interdisciplinary approaches. In more pragmatic terms the course offers methodological tools for determining the research perspective and formulating the research question.

The course is divided to two parts:
1) taken at 1st year spring (5 ECTS) and
2) taken in the first period of the second year (5 ECTS).

1) Common course to all students in the programme. Combines lecture and literature. Intensive seminar day is organized in the end of 1st year where students present their research plan and a topic for their Master’s Thesis is outlined with the help of supervisors.

2) In the beginning of second year thematically focused specific methodological packages are organized. All packages combine lecture and rehearsal. Theme varies in each year according to demand and availability. Packages can introduce certain disciplinary perspective (i.e. history, anthropology, ethnology) or focus to certain specific research materials (i.e. interviews, textual and visual materials) or combining both.

Student with specialization in Peace and Conflict Research and Psychology choose options 1) and 2).

Student with specialization in History, Social Anthropology, Administrative Science and International Relations choose option 1) and in addition, they complete the requirements below:

- History: the mode of study will be tailored for each student.

- Social Anthropology: an essay based on agreed literature OR an ethnographic research seminar and an essay. The student learns the basic principles of ethnographic research methods. She/he learns to understand both the basic principles of participant observation, as well as ethnographic research a process that proceeds from initial research questions via actual fieldwork to the production of written research reports.

- Administrative Science and International Relations: students complete the course unit POLKVS22 Kansainvälisten suhteiden kirjallinen harjoitus - International Relations Research methods paper (5 ECTS)

Evaluation

Study materials

Reading list will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Belongs to following study modules

2012–2013

Teaching

Archived Teaching Schedule. Please refer to current Teaching Shedule.

PEACE003 Research methods