Researching the Ageing Society I - Methods in Ageing and Social Change, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master's Programme in Ageing and Social Change

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen
• 5 ECTS credits passed in Quantitative Methods 
  or
  5 ECTS credits passed in Statistics
• At least 5 ECTS credits passed in Social Sciences
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should on an advanced level be able to:

• identify and discuss concepts and methods of: ageing, life-course and social change
• critically reflect on design and methodological strengths and challenges of research within Ageing and social change 
• analyse and assess complex phenomena in ageing and social change through scientific methods
• formulate research questions and problems in ageing and social change
• apply methods in order to research ageing and social change from a life-course perspective 
• apply ethical aspects in relevant research and development work

Course content

In this course, accelerating social change, population ageing, and improved methodological tools are discussed in how they have allowed for extended knowledge, through the empirical examination of individual dynamics and societal shifts. In the course, relevant research methodologies for the study of life-course trajectories are introduced to further understand ageing processes, life-courses, and social change across individual and historical times. Furthermore, the role of time in social research and relevant research methodologies are addressed. During the course a theoretical base within fundamental principles of research and research methods such as cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, macro-, mezzo- and microdata, sampling and measurements are presented. Ethical considerations are also addressed, and the implications and challenges currently faced when conducting and interpreting life-course studies.

Teaching and working methods

In the course, a hybrid teaching model is used where students meet simultaneously on site and online for lectures and work together in workshops, computer labs, and seminars. This course includes mandatory on campus periods. In addition, the student should conduct self-study and work with others in peer learning groups. 

The language of instruction and examination is English.

Examination

Students admitted to the online programme are examined online, students admitted to on campus programme are examined on campus. In addition, there are on campus weeks, where all the students are examined on campus, see note CAMPUS.

The course is examined through:

• Active participation in computer labs, grading scale: pass/fail
• Active participation in seminars, grading scale: pass/fail
• Active participation in computer labs, CAMPUS, grading scale: pass/fail 
• Active participation in seminars, CAMPUS, grading scale: pass/fail 
• Written and oral group assignment, grading scale: pass/fail
• Multiple choice quizzes (individual), grading scale: pass/fail
• Written examination (individual), grading scale: ECTS

For a passed final grade (E), a pass is required on all examinations and an E on the individual written examination. Higher grades are based on the individual written examination. 

 Detailed information about the examination can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department