Overview

In the Spring term, Graduate School offers the following courses in methods and theory of science:

SIMM23: Theory of Science for the Social Sciences

The aim of the course is to provide comprehensive understanding of contemporary Theory of Social Science. Hence the core of the course is presentations and critical discussions of major theories of Social Science as they revolve around epistemology and apply to the various fields in the Social Sciences in general. The main purpose is to offer students the theoretical frameworks and conceptual tools necessary for an overview, facilitating their analyses with regard to their own subject and its relation to other subjects. (7,5 credits)

SIMM25: Fieldwork

The objective of the course is to provide an interdisciplinary analysis of fieldwork as both a method and an intellectual framework within the social sciences. This involves to understand and critical reflect on current theories connected to the discussion on methodology and methodological techniques within the social sciences. To achieve this, the course presents major theories, concepts, methods, techniques and approaches enabling the students to make informed analyses of how fieldwork connects to studies in social sciences. (7,5 credits)

SIMM27: Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis

The aim of the course is to provide comprehensive understanding of the use of text and discourse analytical methods within the Social Sciences, and to convey the necessary practical skills required for their application. Through lectures, seminars and practical workshops, the course will provide students with deepened knowledge of text and discourse analytical methods, their respective uses and usefulness, and their relevance for the study of contemporary Social Science research issues. (7,5 credits)

SIMM30: Participatory Methods of Change and Development

This unique course focuses on change and development through the use of participatory methods, where affected groups and individuals are involved in change processes, such as community development, organisation development etc. (7,5 credits)

SIMM16: Introduction to Quantitative Methods

The aim of this course is for students with little prior knowledge of quantitative methods to develop an understanding of the basic concepts and fundamental principles guiding the use of quantitative methods, acquire basic practical skills with regard to the performance of statistical analysis and develop the ability to critically assess quantitative research. (7,5 credits)

SIMM32: Quantitative Methods: Multivariate Analysis

This course is aimed towards students who have some prior knowledge of quantitative methods and wish to further develop their understanding of, and ability to independently perform, statistical analysis of social science research questions. Some of the multivariate statistical techniques most commonly used within the social sciences are presented and practiced. The focus lies on the relationship between complex research questions and different multivariate statistical techniques. (7,5 credits)

SIMM34: Digital Media Research

The course is based on qualitative multi-methods within digital media research. It offers an introduction to digital media research methods, emphasising the significance of reliable, valid and situated research in a critical study of digital media in society and culture. Digital media is understood to include business, public service and non commercial digital spaces. The course focuses on combining empirical research with critical social and cultural theories in order to emphasise how the digital media researcher uses, adapts and critically reflects on methods and concepts to research problems or questions. (7,5 credits)

SIMM35: Digital Ethnography

The course is based on a digital ethnographical approach in order to study how social interaction and social worlds today are played out in online and offline environments. Thereby traditional social scientific concepts and distinctions are articulated in new ways. It follows the inductive and iterative principle of ethnographical methods, which means that it starts off in the concrete methodological practices, and will thereafter move the focus to theoretical aspects, necessary for the analytical craft. (7,5 credits)

SIMM48: Qualitative Analysis and Coding (using software)

This course provides the opportunity to focus in depth on qualitative analysis in both theory and practice, and prepares the student for research at the master’s and doctoral level. The student will develop the skills necessary to conduct qualitative data analysis individually and in collaboration with others to generate new knowledge about the social world. (7,5 credits)

SIMM55: Research Interviews

The course provides a theoretical understanding of and practical training in the research interview method. The aim of the course is to provide the student with the tools they need to design, plan and execute a scientific study using the research interview method. (7,5 credits)

SIMM56: Process Tracing

The course explores the core elements of process tracing, by focusing on both the theory side of what we are tracing (the causal processes or mechanisms) and the empirics (evidence of the operation of the causal mechanism). The course aims to provide the students with the necessary tools, enabling them to apply process tracing in their own research. (7,5 credits)

How to apply

Majority of the courses listed on this page are only open to programme students. If you are a programme student enrolled in one of the Graduate School programmes or in some of the other master's programmes offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences, you will apply for and be admitted to these courses via an internal application process. If you are not a programme student in your first year of studies, you can apply for the courses that are open to external students via www.antagning.se.