Methods in human geography

Aim and Content

Students are trained in undertaking fieldwork in connection with their master thesis. The course focuses on qualitative field methods and visual field techniques, the interpretation of qualitative data, design of and carrying out household surveys and correct use of statistics. The students should also acquire insight into ethical dilemmas and ethical guidelines for conducting research.

The course focuses on

• the interpretation of texts (interviews, public documents, newspaper articles, school essays etc.) through the use of the analysis of categories, and the analysis of the use of metaphors
• visual techniques in the field and the analysis of visual data (photos)
• discourse analysis
• analysis of survey data
• interpretation and use of statistics
• case studies
• research ethics

The course is intensive and it is expected that students read parts of the curriculum in advance.

Learning Outcomes

After having completed the course the students should be able to

• perform classical role analysis
• conduct participant observation in familiar and foreign cultural contexts
• conduct fieldwork with special emphasis on interviews, observation, and photo elicitation
• carry out discourse analysis
• analyze own survey data
• conduct case studies
• assess ethical problems in the research process

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Exam offered (semester)

Spring

Language of Instruction

English

Course Unit Level

Master level

Access to the Course Unit

Open for students at Master´s level who meet the prerequisites. GEO306 is obligatory for the Master's program in Development Geography. For the Master's in Geography the course is optional.

Pre-requirements

Basic knowledge about social science methods

Subject Overlap

GEO307 (5 ects)

Teaching Methods

2-3 lectures á 2 hours pr. week.

Total:In total 9-11 lectures.

2 seminars á 2 hours.

5 weeks in total including the home exam.

Compulsory Requirements

Participation in seminars.

Assessment methods

Take-home exam and oral exam

Grading Scale

Grading A-F

Course Unit Evaluation

GEO306 will be evaluated minimum every third semester

Contact Information

Department of Geography

Studieveileder@geog.uib.no